FTC fines cybersecurity company Avast $16.5 million for tracking and selling user data

Cybersecurity software company Avast reportedly faces a $16.5 million fine from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for allegedly selling consumer data to third parties. The FTC claims that Avast, which promises to protect consumer data from online tracking, has been collecting and selling user browsing data without consent while misleading users. Avast, owned by Gen Digital, originated in the late 1980s in Czechoslovakia and has grown over time. The FTC complaint accuses Avast of selling data, despite claiming to block tracking cookies and only share information in an anonymous and aggregate form. The FTC has also banned Avast from selling or licensing data for advertising purposes. Avast has not responded to the request for comment.