Why is AVG in trouble?

Computer security firm AVG’s updated privacy policy has come under fire because it now involves keeping the browsing history of its users and selling on the data to third parties.

The new policy, which comes into effect mid October, says that AVG will collect non-personal data such as “browsing and search history, including meta data” which the company claims will “make money from our free offerings so we can keep them free.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTwMWKBtCwA

Under the heading “What do you collect that cannot identify me?” the policy reads:

We collect non-personal data to make money from our free offerings so we can keep them free, including:

• Advertising ID associated with your device;
• Browsing and search history, including meta data;
• Internet service provider or mobile network you use to connect to our products; and
• Information regarding other applications you may have on your device and how they are used.

AVG has, however, offered a way for users to opt out once the privacy policy goes ahead:

“You have the right to opt out of the use or collection of certain data, including personal data and non-personal data, by following the instructions here*.

*Our NEW Privacy Policy goes live on 15 October as will these instructions.”