The Federal Trade Commission’s 2025 settlement with Avast is turning heads—and wallets. If you bought Avast antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020, you may be eligible for a refund as part of this $16.5 million agreement.
This case isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, data privacy, and holding companies accountable for what they do behind the scenes.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know—from what Avast did wrong to how you can claim your piece of the settlement pie.
Background
Avast, once a trusted name in antivirus protection, got hit hard by the FTC for allegedly doing the exact opposite of protecting users.
According to the FTC, Avast collected detailed browsing data through its software and sold it via a subsidiary called Jumpshot—all without properly informing users or getting clear consent.
The data included what sites people visited, what they clicked on, and how they moved around the internet. It may sound technical, but in plain terms: your personal online behavior was up for sale.
That’s a big deal in a world where data is currency and privacy is power.
Eligibility
So, how do you know if you’re eligible for a refund? Check these boxes:
- You purchased Avast antivirus software (not the free version).
- Your purchase was made between August 2014 and January 2020.
- You received an email from the FTC between Feb 24 and Mar 7, 2025 with a claim number.
- If you didn’t get the email, you can still check your eligibility at www.avastsettlement.com.
Examples
| User Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Parents | Installed Avast to protect kids online |
| Freelancers | Used Avast on personal work devices |
| Small Business Owners | Bought Avast for office computers |
| Students | Paid for a discount plan with full features |
Free users of Avast software, unfortunately, aren’t eligible for this refund.
How to Claim
Good news: filing your claim is super easy. No receipts or license keys needed.
Steps:
- Visit www.avastsettlement.com
- Enter your claim number and confirmation code from the FTC email, or just use your registered email address if you didn’t get one.
- Submit by June 5, 2025.
- Wait for confirmation and payment, expected in early 2026.
Payments will be made via check or direct deposit. The average amount is estimated at $4.47, but it could be more if fewer people file claims.
Why It Matters
Let’s be honest—a few bucks won’t change your life. But this case isn’t just about refunds. It’s a huge wake-up call about how our data is used.
Avast marketed itself as a defender of privacy while allegedly selling some of the most sensitive info a person generates online: their browsing history. The irony is unreal.
If you’re a parent, your child’s activity may have been tracked. If you’re a professional, your client interactions might’ve been recorded. These aren’t minor details—they’re massive breaches of trust.
Participating in this settlement is more than just getting compensated. It’s a stand for privacy rights in a digital world that too often treats your data like a product, not personal property.
Moving Forward
This isn’t a one-off. If it happened with Avast, it could happen with other companies too. So here’s how to protect yourself:
- Always read the privacy policy—yes, even the boring parts.
- Adjust default settings to limit data sharing.
- Support strong data protection laws, like GDPR or the U.S. Data Privacy Act.
Your privacy is worth protecting—and it starts with staying informed.
FAQs
Who qualifies for a refund?
Anyone who bought paid Avast antivirus between Aug 2014 and Jan 2020.
How much is the refund?
Average payout is around $4.47, depending on total claims.
Is a claim number required?
No, you can use your registered email to file a claim.
When is the deadline to file?
You must submit your claim by June 5, 2025.
Where do I file my claim?
Go to www.avastsettlement.com to file your refund claim.
