AV (antivirus) companies normally do not sell user’s browsing data, as it goes against their commitment to user privacy and security.
Their business model relies on protecting against cyber threats rather than exploiting user data.
But, recently, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered Avast to pay $16.5 million for selling Users’ browsing data.
Browsing history can unveil personal details – from romance to finance, politics to weight loss, and job rejections to gambling.
More than 300,000 analysts use ANY.RUN is a malware analysis sandbox worldwide. Join the community to conduct in-depth investigations into the top threats and collect detailed reports on their behavior..
The FTC fined Avast $16.5 million for selling users’ browsing data without consent. Avast’s browser extensions and antivirus software collected and sold data, breaching the privacy commitments.
Avast misled users by claiming to block tracking while selling detailed browsing data to over 100 third parties through its subsidiary, “Jumpshot.”
Since 2014, Avast collected browsing data through browser extensions and antivirus software, including sensitive info like religion and finances.
Avast didn’t disclose this data collection and claimed to reduce tracking. After acquiring Jumpshot, Avast sold consumer data to various clients until 2020.
The company falsely claimed to anonymize user data, but the FTC found it poorly protected identifying information.
Contrary to its promises of aggregate and anonymous transfers, it sold detailed browsing data, including unique identifiers, timestamps, device details, and location.
The company failed to prevent data buyers from re-identifying users, even when contracts included prohibitions.
Some Jumpshot products allowed clients to track specific users and associate their browsing histories with other information, as seen in the Omnicom contract.
Apart from the $16.5 million fine, Avast must also refrain from misrepresenting its data usage.
While the proposed order includes various provisions such as:-
The FTC, with a 3-0 vote, issued the complaint and accepted the agreement. A description of the agreement will soon be published in the Federal Register for public comment for 30 days.
Avast deceived and unfairly exposed detailed browsing data, breaching Section 5 of the FTC Act. Selling or sharing browser history without clear permission violates the law.
FTC stresses heightened privacy obligations for sensitive data, extending from geolocation to health info.
Avast’s case adds to a series highlighting the need to safeguard sensitive information.
You can block malware, including Trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, worms, and zero-day exploits, with Perimeter81 malware protection. All are extremely harmful, can wreak havoc, and damage your network.
Stay updated on Cybersecurity news, Whitepapers, and Infographics. Follow us on LinkedIn & Twitter.
Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and paid advertisements to manipulate search…
Cybersecurity experts have unearthed an intricate cyber campaign that leverages deceptive websites posing as the…
Hackers are exploiting what's known as "Dangling DNS" records to take over corporate subdomains, posing…
Security researchers and cybersecurity experts have recently uncovered new variants of the notorious HelloKitty ransomware,…
The RansomHub ransomware group has emerged as a significant danger, targeting a wide array of…
Threat actors are increasingly using email bombing to bypass security protocols and facilitate further malicious…