The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has notified users who purchased Avast antivirus software about their eligibility for compensation, following allegations of deceptive marketing practices and the unauthorized sale of personal data.
According to the FTC’s statement, Avast misled consumers by claiming its software safeguarded their private information and blocked third-party tracking. However, the company failed to disclose that it was collecting and selling users’ detailed web activity data. This information was transmitted to over 100 third-party entities via its subsidiary, Jumpshot.
As part of a settlement agreement, Avast has agreed to pay $16.5 million, which will be distributed as compensation to affected users. Additionally, the company is now prohibited from misrepresenting its data practices and from selling or licensing users’ browsing data for advertising purposes.
Compensation notifications have been sent to 3,690,813 individuals who purchased Avast antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020. These notifications are being delivered via email and will continue to be sent until March 7, 2025. Consumers can submit a refund request through the FTC’s official website, with the final payout amounts determined by the total number of claims filed. The deadline for claims submission is June 5, 2025.
The FTC emphasizes that no payment or banking information is required to file a claim or receive compensation. A dedicated interactive portal has also been launched, allowing users to track state-by-state distribution of settlement funds in real time. In 2024 alone, the FTC has returned over $285 million to consumers as part of various legal actions.
The agency remains committed to combatting unfair data practices, raising public awareness about privacy threats and fraudulent schemes. This case serves as a stark reminder that data protection is not merely a corporate obligation but a fundamental consumer right that must be upheld with the utmost diligence.
