AVG updates Privacy Policy; tells users it will sell “non-personal” data

These “non-personal” info include your device’s brand, language and apps in use, among other things.

AVG spokesperson told Wired that it was either spying or it would have to pack in its free security software.

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*. With users being accustomed to clicking “Agree” on license agreements and privacy policies without so much as glancing at the document; it is unlikely many will have knowledge of their acceptance of this practice. The new policy will become operational from October 15, 2015.

In terms of content, the policy is little different to its predecessor; it is really just the presentation and tone that has changed.

In addition, device security information – including password attributes and encryption levels – is collected, as well as “information about where our products and services are used, including approximate location, zip code, area code, time zone, and the URL you came from to reach our products”. So if you were unfortunate enough to run AVG software you might have already sold the family silver without being aware of it. The company has confirmed that it does not sell anything that contains personal information to advertisers.

The new policy makes clear that AVG will collect non-personal data such as “Browsing and search history, including meta data“.

AVG released a One-Page Privacy Policy article where they explained in detail how their 200 million monthly active users’ information has been used.

AVG also notes that it might anonymize and aggregate data that it would otherwise consider to be personally identifying for individual users.

A Reddit discussion has heard from furious users who spotted that the simplified policy effectively gives the company permission to sell its mailing lists to third parties for fun and profit. You will also have the option to opt out of it if you wish, but you’ll have to wait until the new policies are out next month.

Surely, the free software comes with a catch. Let us know by leaving your comments below, or on Google +, Facebook, or Twitter.