news 
Millions of Avast Antivirus Software Customers to Get Refund, FTC Says
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a significant settlement with Avast, a leading antivirus software provider. As a result, nearly 3.7 million consumers who purchased the company’s software between August 2014 and January 2020 will be eligible for compensation.
According to the FTC, Avast collected sensitive information from its customers through its antivirus software and browser extensions, including data on religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, locations, and financial status. Despite claiming that the software would protect user privacy by blocking third-party tracking, Avast secretly sold this personal information to over 100 third-party companies without obtaining consent from its users.
The FTC has launched an investigation into these practices, leading to a $16.5 million settlement with Avast. As part of this agreement, eligible consumers will receive emails in the coming days and weeks informing them that they are able to file a claim for compensation.
Individuals who believe they may be eligible should check their email inbox for a notification and follow the instructions provided to apply online at http://www.ftc.gov/Avast or http://www.avastsettlement.com/file-a-claim. For those requiring assistance with filing a claim, a dedicated hotline is available at 1-866-290-0165.
The deadline to file a claim is June 5, after which payments will be mailed in 2026, according to the FTC. The amount of compensation will depend on the number of people who choose to participate and file a claim.
Avast has not responded to requests for comment regarding this settlement.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/avast-antivirus-refund-ftc-what-to-know/
