The Federal Trade Commission has ordered Avast to pay $16.5 million to customers after the antivirus company was found selling users' sensitive web browsing data to third parties without proper consent. This settlement marks a significant development in consumer privacy protection in the digital security industry.
The Privacy Violation
Avast, a company known for its antivirus software, has been penalized for secretly collecting and selling users' web browsing data through its subsidiary Jumpshot. According to the FTC complaint, Avast promised to protect users from online tracking while simultaneously gathering detailed browsing information through its antivirus software and browser extensions. This data was then sold to more than 100 third parties for advertising purposes without adequately informing customers or obtaining their consent. The violation period spans from August 2014 to January 2020, affecting nearly 3.7 million consumers.
What Information Was Exposed
The data collected and sold by Avast was particularly sensitive in nature. It contained details about users' searches and web pages visited, which could reveal religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, precise location information, and financial status. Although Avast claimed to have used specialized algorithms to anonymize this information before selling it, the FTC determined that these measures were insufficient. The data still included unique identifiers for web browsers, timestamps of visits, device and browser types, and users' exact locations—all of which could potentially be used to re-identify individuals.
Eligibility for Compensation
Consumers who purchased Avast antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020 are eligible to receive a portion of the $16.5 million settlement. The FTC has begun sending email notifications to affected customers, a process that will continue until March 7, 2025. These emails contain important information including a claim number and confirmation code needed to file for compensation.
How to File Your Claim
If you're among the affected customers, filing a claim is straightforward. After receiving the FTC notification email, visit the official Avast settlement website and click the button to apply for a refund. You'll need to enter the claim number and confirmation code provided in the email to complete your application. The deadline for filing claims is June 5, 2025, giving consumers ample time to respond. The exact amount each claimant will receive hasn't been determined yet, as it depends on various factors including the total number of claims filed. Payments are expected to be distributed sometime in 2026.
Additional Support
For customers requiring assistance with their claims, the FTC has established dedicated support channels. You can contact the claims administrator by phone at 866-290-0165 or via email at info@AvastSettlement.com. These resources are available to help navigate the claims process and address any questions related to the settlement.
Settlement Details:
- Total settlement amount: $16.5 million
- Affected customers: 3,690,813 consumers
- Violation period: August 2014 to January 2020
- Claim filing deadline: June 5, 2025
- Expected payment distribution: 2026
- Contact for assistance: 866-290-0165 or info@AvastSettlement.com
Implications for Digital Privacy
This settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in data collection practices, particularly for companies whose products are specifically designed to protect users' security and privacy. Consumers using security software might want to review the privacy policies of their current providers and consider implementing additional identity protection measures, especially if they were Avast customers during the affected period.