If you use Avast's antivirus software, you might be owed money — here’s how to get it
Millions of users are eligible to claim a refund for user data breaches.
If you’ve been following tech news for a while, you might remember the huge scandal that blew up in 2020. Avast, a well-known antivirus provider, was caught collecting user data without properly informing them.
The company weren’t just collecting the data, they were selling it to over a hundred companies through their subsidiary, Jumpshot.
The data was supposed to be “anonymized,” but investigative reports from PCMag and Motherboard revealed how easy it was to re-identify users based on their web activity. Imagine thinking you’re just another faceless internet user, only for advertisers to know exactly what you searched for and when. Terrifying, right?
After public outrage, Avast shut down Jumpshot in early 2020, with CEO Ondrej Vlcek issuing a public apology. He claimed that while Jumpshot operated independently, the company decided to shut it down because protecting users should be their top priority. Nice words, but the damage was already done.
Regulators weren’t about to let it slide either. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation, leading to a legal battle that stretched over the years. Then, in February 2024, the hammer finally dropped. The FTC banned Avast from selling user data ever again and slapped them with a $16.5 million settlement. And that’s where things get interesting for you.
If you purchased any Avast product (its antivirus software or browser extensions) between August 2014 and January 2020, you could be entitled to a refund. The FTC is overseeing the payout process, and millions of users are eligible to claim their share.
Starting from February 24, 2025, Avast customers will receive an email with a Claim Number, allowing them to apply for a refund online. Here’s what to do if you’re eligible:
- Visit www.avastsettlement.com/file-a-claim
- Enter your Claim Number and complete the application.
- Wait for the refund (expected some time in 2026).
If you believe you qualify but don’t receive an email, you can reach out to the FTC’s refund administrator at: Email: info@AvastSettlement.com or Phone: 1-866-290-0165
The payout amount depends on how many people file a claim and it might not fully cover what you originally paid for the software. The more people who claim, the smaller the individual payout.
Not to sound insensitive, but this might be a clue to stay skeptical of "free” or “privacy-focused” software because sometimes, the price you pay is your data.
