Millions of Americans who bought antivirus software from Avast may qualify for compensation following a $16.5 million settlement announced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday.
Nearly 3.7 million consumers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020 should expect to receive emails this week or next informing them of their eligibility to claim compensation, according to the FTC.
Regulators indicated that for years, Avast collected extensive data from customers via its antivirus software and browser extensions, including information related to:
- religious beliefs
- health issues
- political views
- geographical locations
- financial conditions
While Avast claimed that its software was designed to safeguard user privacy by preventing third-party tracking, it allegedly sold user data to over 100 third parties without consent through a subsidiary named Jumpshot, as suggested by the FTC in 2024. Beginning Monday, the agency will dispatch email notifications to approximately 3.7 million potential refund recipients.
Those eligible can submit a claim online at www.ftc.gov/Avast. If you receive an email containing a claim number, you can apply for a payment at www.avastsettlement.com/file-a-claim.
If individuals require assistance with filing a claim, they can contact the refund administrator at 1-866-290-0165. To qualify, claims must be submitted by June 5. The amount of payments will vary based on the number of claims received.
According to the FTC, payments are anticipated to be issued in 2026. Avast has not provided a comment in response to the inquiry.
