Avast is a prominent name in the realm of free antivirus software, boasting a user base of over 435 million. However, its reputation has come under scrutiny following an investigation by Motherboard and PCMag, which revealed that Avast may be selling user data to third parties.
Reports indicate that Avast has been secretly selling internet browsing data to a subsidiary named Jumpshot. This data is aggregated and sold to various companies, including major players like Google, Microsoft, and Home Depot. Some clients reportedly paid millions for detailed tracking information that includes website visits and user interactions.
Users who install the free antivirus must actively opt in to have their data collected, and while the data is anonymized—stripping away names and email addresses—it is still linked to device IDs. The controversy lies in the extent of data collection and whether users truly understand that their online activities could be sold.
Motherboard’s investigation uncovered a range of sensitive data, such as Google searches, GPS locations, and even specific visits to adult websites. Experts have suggested that, in some cases, it could be possible to reverse the anonymization process and identify individuals.
Many users were unaware that Avast sold their data. One individual expressed concern, stating, “I didn’t know about this. That sounds alarming. I usually opt out of data tracking.”
In light of recent reports, several browser developers, including Google and Mozilla, removed extensions associated with Avast and its AVG subsidiary, which were reportedly used to gather user data. In response, Avast shifted to a model requiring explicit user consent for data collection, aiming to implement this change fully by February 2020.
The key takeaway is a familiar one: if software is free, the real customer may be someone else—potentially those interested in your data. Always read the fine print before consenting to any terms. While it may not provide exhaustive details, it’s best to approach these offers with caution.