CNN —Cybersecurity software company Avast faces a $16.5 million fine from the Federal Trade Commission after the agency filed a complaint Wednesday accusing the company of selling consumer data to third parties.
The FTC says Avast, a firm that promises to protect consumer data from online tracking, has done the opposite, collecting and selling user browsing data without knowledge or consent while simultaneously misleading users.
Furthermore, the FTC says Avast told users it would only share information in “anonymous and aggregate form,” though this was not the case.
“Because it is intrinsically sensitive, browsing data warrants heightened protection.”The FTC says Avast sold data to a range of over 100 clients, including consulting firms, advertising companies and data brokers.
On top of the multi-million dollar fine, Avast is being hit with a ban from the FTC to prohibit the company from selling or licensing data for advertising purposes.
Persons:
Avast, Lina Khan, “, ” Khan, “ Avast, ” Samuel Levine, ” Avast
Organizations:
CNN, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, Soviet Bloc, Gen Digital, Avast, Consumer Protection
Locations:
Czechoslovakia, Tempe , Arizona, Prague, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Czech, FTC’s