Security firm AVG recently published its updated privacy policy and the backlash from users has been fast and furious. The new policy, which takes effect from October 15, makes it clear that AVG will collect non-personal data including:
- Advertising ID associated with your device;
- Browsing and search history, including meta data;
- Internet service provider or mobile network you use to connect to our products; and
- Information regarding other applications you may have on your device and how they are used
AVG says it collects this data “to make money from our free offerings so we can keep them free.”
The company followed up with a press release proudly stating that the new privacy policy has been presented in plain language to make it abundantly clear to users just what data the company is collecting and what it does with that data. CEO Gary Kovacs even urged the rest of the tech industry to follow suit and adopt similarly transparent policies.
I’ve little doubt the practice of collecting data for sale is not uncommon, however, it is rare to see a privacy policy that so simply and plainly discloses a company’s methods and motivations. The reaction to AVG’s new policy clearly illustrates why companies generally tend to obfuscate their data collection practices in long-winded and complex privacy statements overloaded with legalese. There’s no onus on them not to do so, and transparency often merely invites uproar.
So, mountain or molehill?
I guess it depends on one’s own perspective. On the one hand, should we be applauding AVG for its honesty and transparency? As I said earlier, I’ll almost wager that this practice is not uncommon among security software vendors, they just haven’t disclosed their activities in similar plain language as AVG has.
AVG has also intimated that users will be afforded the opportunity to opt out of some data collection:
You have the right to opt out of the use or collection of certain data, including personal data and non-personal data, by following the instructions here*.
Although, because the new policy is not yet in force, details of the what and how are yet to be disclosed.
On the other hand, while the practice of collecting data for sale appears to be fast becoming the norm among major software distributors, it is somewhat unsettling to learn in no uncertain terms that an antivirus program is tracking and monetizing its users’ browsing history, ostensibly to help fund free editions. Seems we, the users, are fast becoming the commodity.
What do you think?
i am so tired of my personal info taken no matter what i think that i am done with any company that does this.
Samsung spyware on tvs plus pups on phones
Lg spyware
Lenovo spyware and not safe chinese computers
Comodo adware
SOHO Routers
Seagate harddrives…come with rootkits
and now AVG
Frankly, I’ve never quite thought that highly of, nor have I placed much faith in their anti-virus application. I’ve removed it from far too many of my neighbors PCs when they’ve brought me their seriously infested PCs for repair, hoping that I can retrieve as much of their personal files and media as possible. It doesn’t surprise me that they would “sell” their customer identity information to others for profit.
You have the right to opt out of the use or collection of certain data, including personal data and non-personal data, by following the instructions here*.
Are they easy to follow?
Have you done this?
Can you possibly explain the steps that need to be taken?
Thank you.
Hi Colin – As per the next line… “Although, because the new policy is not yet in force, details of the what and how are yet to be disclosed.”
In other words, we won’t know the exact details until after October 15th, which is when the new policy takes affect.
I guess that is a secret at the moment. But do other such programs allow an “opt out” ?
And which ones do?
Thanks again !
I use to use AVG but was told by a computer tech to switch to Avast. The only thing I DON’T like about Avast is the constant popups telling me things I don’t need to know like try their full featured Avast protection for 30 days free. Good protection BUT those popups I don’t need.
Thanks for the article