Avast collected data on location, health concerns, and more.
    •  tiramichu   ( @tiramichu@lemm.ee ) English
      19•4 months ago

      I’m pretty sure that a lot of these virus and malware scanners began as normal and well-intentioned businesses, and only later went bad.

      I used to use Avast and AVG back in the day (like 10+ years ago) and they mostly just sat back and did what you’d expect, without being intrusive about it.

      But of course the inevitable march of capitalism happens and they all start trying to make more and more money. Intimidating users with scare tactics. Aggressive pop-ups. Selling user data.

      Wouldn’t go near them these days with a shitty stick.

  •  AutoTL;DR   ( @autotldr@lemmings.world ) BEnglish
    3•4 months ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:

    Avast, the cybersecurity software company, is facing a $16.5 million fine after it was caught storing and selling customer information without their consent.

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the fine on Thursday and said that it’s banning Avast from selling user data for advertising purposes.

    From at least 2014 to 2020, Avast harvested user web browsing information through its antivirus software and browser extension, according to the FTC’s complaint.

    “We are committed to our mission of protecting and empowering people’s digital lives,” Avast spokesperson Jess Monney said in a statement to The Verge.

    “While we disagree with the FTC’s allegations and characterization of the facts, we are pleased to resolve this matter and look forward to continuing to serve our millions of customers around the world.”

    In January, the FTC reached a settlement with Outlogic (formerly X-Mode Social) that prevents the data broker from selling information that can be used to track users’ locations.

    The original article contains 398 words, the summary contains 155 words. Saved 61%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!