this post was submitted on 12 Mar 2024
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1007
Avast fined $16.5 million for ‘privacy’ software that actually sold users’ browsing data (www.theverge.com)
submitted 8 months ago by wanderingmagus@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Avast, the cybersecurity software company, is facing a $16.5 million fine after it was caught storing and selling customer information without their consent. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the fine on Thursday and said that it’s banning Avast from selling user data for advertising purposes.

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[–] taanegl@lemmy.world 57 points 8 months ago (2 children)

This is a careful reminder to be VERY SCEPTICAL about not only "anti-viruses" (like bro, Windows defender is good enough), but also browsers. There is a high probability that the company is either a data broker or fintech... looking at you, Opera.

[–] kworpy@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

If you use antivirus software you're a dumbass. Just don't download viruses?

[–] taanegl@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago

Yes, that's why regular people should stick to Windows defender instead of downloading and installing a third party one, because it does the job just as well.

Also, it's Windows.

[–] lemmyingly@lemm.ee -2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I tried Windows Defender a couple of years ago for an entire year. I thought it was dog water. The anti-ransomeware feature was the only nice thing about it. I now use BitDefender.

[–] kringkastingssjef@lemmy.ml 13 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

What are you clicking on all day?

[–] lemmyingly@lemm.ee 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

At least once every 6 months I come across a top Google result trying to download malicious scripts. The web searches are innocent, eg. "Iso standard metric thread" or "bee keeper hive monitor", which are both search terms in the past where a top result had malicious scripts.

[–] JTskulk@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Sounds like you need the noscript browser extension instead.

[–] lemmyingly@lemm.ee 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Sounds like a horrible internet experience. No thanks.

[–] JTskulk@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

Nah it's pretty good. Just a little rough at first as you whitelist the websites you go to. After that they all load quicker since you're blocking a bunch of tracking and advertising sites.