Millions of Avast antivirus software users can apply to get a piece – though probably a very small one — of the company’s $16.5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations of deceptive marketing practices.
The FTC said Monday that it’s emailing notices to 3.7 million consumers who bought antivirus software from Avast between August 2014 and January 2020. Eligible consumers should receive their notices by March 7.
Avast is paying the money to settle FTC charges that it deceived users by claiming that its software would protect their privacy by blocking third-party tracking, but then didn’t adequately inform them that it would collect and sell their personal internet browsing data to other companies.
The FTC order settling the 2024 complaint also bars Avast from misrepresenting how it uses the data it collects now. It’s also not allowed to sell or license any browsing data from Avast-branded products to other companies for advertising purposes.
Eligible consumers can file a claim online with the FTC between now and June 5. The FTC says payment amounts will depend on several factors, including how many people file claims. But don’t expect big bucks. If every eligible consumer applied for their share, payments would average about $4.47 each.
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