Millions of Americans who purchased antivirus software from Avast could be eligible for compensation due to a $16.5 million settlement by their company with the Federal Trade Commission, regulators announced Monday.
Approximately 3.7 million consumers who purchased software from Avast between August 2014 and January 2020 can expect to receive an email in their inbox this week or to notify them of their eligibility to apply for the next coverage, the FTC said.
For years, Avast has collected information about its customers through a browser extension that includes the following data:
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Avast claimed that the software protects users’ privacy by blocking third-party tracking, but sold information to more than 100 third parties without the consent of people through a subsidiary called the FTC allegedly filed in 2024.
Eligible consumers can file claims online at www.ftc.gov/avast. If you receive an email with a billing number, you can apply for payment online at www.avastsettlement.com/file-a-claim.
Anyone who needs to help submit a request can call the refund manager at 1-866-290-0165. To qualify, consumers must file a claim by June 5th. Payment depends on factors such as the number of people submitting the claim.
According to the FTC, payments are expected to be mailed in 2026. Avast did not respond to requests for comment.
