AVG defends plans to sell user data

[hazelnut 2]

 

Security software firm AVG has defended changes in its privacy policy, due to come into effect on Thursday (15 October), allowing it to collect and resell users’ anonymised web browsing and search history.

 

 

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/10/14/avg_anon_data_brokering_analysis/

[Nergal 0]

Wow, that's a huge breach of trust in my very opinionated opinion.

[eL_PuSHeR 0]

Yes. "Free" AVs companies are now making money out of you by using not so very ethical schemes.

[trium 0]

not good news

 

but as i read this some times ago im not surprised of that...(from emsisoft topic)

 

Antivirus software: Protecting your files, at the price of your privacy?

 

english

http://blog.emsisoft...f-your-privacy/

 

for german users

http://blog.emsisoft...ox_ticker150626

[trium 0]

some of these user data collections can be stopped.

 

options --> advanced settings --> privacy settings --> uncheck all points

 

 

+ options --> advanced settings --> update? (in german: Aktualisierung, i dont know if this is the correct word in english)

uncheck point "check computer time"

 

[Andavari 1]

options --> advanced settings --> privacy settings --> uncheck all points

 

Yeah but if they come with some browser "add-on" like some "safe searching add-on or toolbar", etc., as many have in the past you have to be extra careful to not even install those "add-ons" because often they're not even developed by the antivirus companies and therefore can operate outside of their so-called privacy settings and privacy policies.

Edited October 15, 2015 by Andavari

[trium 0]

oh yes andavari this "gifts" or "give away of the unneccessary install of the day"    will clicked away from me whenever possible.

[rridgely 0]

I bet these companies are hurting. Most users with windows 7 on are probably just using the built in windows defender. Even if its not as good MS doesn't prompt you to download anything else like they used to. Probably are having to resort to new ways to make money. 

[Andavari 1]

Putting an upgrade advertisement/banner or link in the programs probably doesn't sway too many freeware users either. I would think so many freeware users are using the free versions for the fact don't have to put up with registering, or don't have the money for annual licensing.

[nukecad 0]

I bet these companies are hurting. Most users with windows 7 on are probably just using the built in windows defender.

Be careful here:

 

In Windows 7, Vista, & XP Defender is only anti-spyware.

 

It was only with Windows 8 and above that it became a full Anti-Virus when they incorporated Microsoft Security Essentials into Defender.

 

If using Win7, Vista, or XP then you should use MSE as well as Defender.

[Andavari 1]

If using Win7, Vista, or XP then you should use MSE as well as Defender.

 

MSE doesn't work with XP anymore.

[nukecad 0]

MSE doesn't work with XP anymore.

Cheers, I should have thought of that.

(XP is out of support so the definitions would not get updated anyway).

[ident 0]

AVG has long been dropped as a suggested av from security websites.

[mta 0]

AVG has long been dropped as a suggested av from security websites.

do you know of any examples?

and surely they would only mean the free edition.

[Andavari 1]

AVG has long been dropped as a suggested av from security websites.

 

That would be the opposite of download hosting sites. And a freeware AV is better than no AV at all.