FTC orders $16.5M fine over alleged data sales, false privacy claims

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced a USD16.5 million fine and corrective measures to software provider Avast over alleged unfulfilled privacy claims that led to nonconsensual sale of user browsing data. Avast allegedly indicated its products would block third-party tracking while collecting, retaining and selling data without proper notice or consent. Additional measures include a ban on "selling or licensing any web browsing data for advertising purposes."