"FTC Halts Avast's Sale of User Browsing Data, Imposes $16.5 Million Fine"
TL;DR Summary
Avast has been ordered by the Federal Trade Commission to pay $16.5 million and cease selling browsing data collected from its privacy apps through a now-defunct entity called Jumpshot. The FTC found that the data, which included identifiable information such as job searches and map directions, was far from anonymous and was sold to over 100 companies. Avast must now obtain express consent for future data gathering, notify customers about prior data sales, and implement a comprehensive privacy program.
- Avast ordered to stop selling browsing data from its browsing privacy apps Ars Technica
- Avast sold privacy software, then sold users' web browsing data, FTC alleges CBS News
- FTC fines cybersecurity company Avast $16.5 million for tracking and selling user data CNN
- FTC says Avast promised privacy, but pirated consumers' data for treasure Federal Trade Commission News
- FTC bans Avast from selling user data to ad agencies — antivirus giant hit with major fine TechRadar
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