Avast collected data on location, health concerns, and more.
  • BeardedSingleMalt@kbin.social
    0·
    7 months ago

    I’ve said it in other threads, but these “free” anti-virus software packages are there to use scare tactics to get you to upgrade to paid versions and other products. I used avast, and avg in previous PCs and every other day it was popups

    • tiramichu@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      7 months ago

      I’m pretty sure that a lot of these virus and malware scanners began as normal and well-intentioned businesses, and only later went bad.

      I used to use Avast and AVG back in the day (like 10+ years ago) and they mostly just sat back and did what you’d expect, without being intrusive about it.

      But of course the inevitable march of capitalism happens and they all start trying to make more and more money. Intimidating users with scare tactics. Aggressive pop-ups. Selling user data.

      Wouldn’t go near them these days with a shitty stick.

  • Vendetta9076@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    7 months ago

    Why is this company allowed to exist anymore is my question. If it just openly lies to its customers it should be sued into destitution.

    • MajorHavoc@programming.devEnglish
      1·
      7 months ago

      Yep. Nationalize that sucker for just long enough to sell every asset, IP and piece of real estate, and turn over the money to those harmed by the crime.

      There’s zero excuse for allowing Avast to continue to exist after what amounts to intentional wide scale fraud.

      Edit: To be clear, I’m not advocating for an approach outside of current laws, I’m saying we need to fix the laws and tackle the next one of these correctly.

      CEOs and shareholders can get on board, because they also want a peaceful no-heads-lopped-off resolution to this kind of crap, too. Everyone can still win, here.