AVG profits from user data, says privacy policy update

There are quite a few free anti-virus options out there for those who want a little extra protection on their Android devices. AVG is one of the most popular choices, but some customers may be reconsidering their options following an update to the company’s user data privacy policy.

Changes to AVG’s privacy policy now states that the company can collect and sell non-personal data, including information about your device, the apps you use, cookies, and your internet search traffic, to name just a few. The company claims that its latest policy is simply intended to be more transparent. It’s certainly better to inform customers about the type of data being collection about them, but this also suggests that similar tracking has been going on for a while without users fully in the know.

AVG states that users will be able to turn most of the tracking options off, without any features of the software being shut down. AVG is also keen to express that the data it collects is anonymous and cannot be linked back to any individual.

While data tracking in exchange for a free service is now very common, the fact that AVG operates with elevated privileges and is often used by customers to help prevent this type of tracking makes the exercise far more questionable. The company says that it may also look at subscriptions, advertisements and other data based models in order to fund its software in the future. It is also worth noting that AVG is not the only anti-virus provider to sell user data, Avast’s privacy policy also explains that it collects non-personal information and sells it to advertisers.

The new privacy policy comes into effect on October 15^th and continuing to use the software after that date means that customers agree to the data collection, unless they specifically opt-out.