Avast, a leading antivirus software company, has reached a $16.5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following allegations of unauthorized data sales. Nearly 3.7 million consumers in the United States who purchased Avast Antivirus products between August 2014 and January 2020 may be eligible for refund claims.
Background on the Settlement
The settlement arises from accusations that Avast used a subsidiary to collect personal user information and sell it to third parties without proper consent. Such actions prompted the involvement of the FTC, which agreed to the terms of compensation to affected consumers.
Avast Antivirus customers involved in the case will soon receive email notifications with instructions on how to apply for compensation. The deadline for consumers to file claims is set for June 5, an essential step for those seeking redress for the company's data practices.
Details on Compensation Process
- Notifications will be sent via email to eligible consumers.
- Affected parties must file their compensation claims by June 5.
- Payments are anticipated to be disbursed in 2026, allowing time for claims processing.
This settlement with Avast highlights the growing movement to protect consumer data privacy and hold companies accountable for their practices in collecting and dispersing personal information. While Avast Antivirus remains a popular choice for computer security, the company is taking steps to resolve past misconduct and restore consumer trust.
With a focus on user privacy and data protection, the FTC's enforcement actions serve as a reminder to technology firms about the importance of transparency and ethical data management. Customers of Avast Antivirus eagerly await their compensation, with hopes that such settlements create a safer digital environment in the future.
