If you purchased Avast antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020, it is advisable to take immediate action. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a settlement of .5 million, aimed at compensating customers who were affected by Avast’s privacy practices during that period.
Understanding the Settlement
The FTC revealed on February 24 that Avast failed to adequately protect its customers’ privacy. Instead of safeguarding user data, the company collected personal information through its antivirus software and browser extensions, subsequently selling this data via a subsidiary named Jumpshot. This occurred without proper notification or consent from users, leading to significant privacy concerns.
Customers who may have been impacted are expected to receive an email from the FTC between now and March 7. With estimates suggesting that over 3 million individuals purchased Avast products during the specified timeframe, this settlement represents a considerable effort to rectify the situation.
Filing a Claim
Eligible customers should look for an email containing a claim number, which will be necessary for filing an online claim. The deadline for submitting claims is set for June 5, 2025. While the exact amount of individual payments remains undetermined, it will depend on the total number of claims filed. Payments are anticipated to be distributed in 2026, with updates provided on the FTC’s settlement website as the timeline is established.
For those needing assistance with the claims process, a refund administrator can be reached at 1-866-290-0165. In addition to filing a claim, it is prudent for affected customers to consider enrolling in a reliable identity theft protection program and to monitor their credit reports closely.
