Security firm AVG recently published its updated privacy policy and the backlash from users has been fast and furious. The new policy, which takes effect from October 15, makes it clear that AVG will collect non-personal data including:
*Advertising ID associated with your device;
*Browsing and search history, including meta data;
*Internet service provider or mobile network you use to connect to our products; and
*Information regarding other applications you may have on your device and how they are used
AVG says it collects this data “to make money from our free offerings so we can keep them free.”
The company followed up with a press release proudly stating that the new privacy policy has been presented in plain language to make it abundantly clear to users just what data the company is collecting and what it does with that data. CEO Gary Kovacs even urged the rest of the tech industry to follow suit and adopt similarly transparent policies.
IÂ’ve little doubt the practice of collecting data for sale is not uncommon, however, it is rare to see a privacy policy that so simply and plainly discloses a companyÂ’s methods and motivations. The reaction to AVGÂ’s new policy clearly illustrates why companies generally tend to obfuscate their data collection practices in long-winded and complex privacy statements overloaded with legalese. ThereÂ’s no onus on them not to do so, and transparency often merely invites uproar.
*Advertising ID associated with your device;
*Browsing and search history, including meta data;
*Internet service provider or mobile network you use to connect to our products; and
*Information regarding other applications you may have on your device and how they are used
AVG says it collects this data “to make money from our free offerings so we can keep them free.”
The company followed up with a press release proudly stating that the new privacy policy has been presented in plain language to make it abundantly clear to users just what data the company is collecting and what it does with that data. CEO Gary Kovacs even urged the rest of the tech industry to follow suit and adopt similarly transparent policies.
IÂ’ve little doubt the practice of collecting data for sale is not uncommon, however, it is rare to see a privacy policy that so simply and plainly discloses a companyÂ’s methods and motivations. The reaction to AVGÂ’s new policy clearly illustrates why companies generally tend to obfuscate their data collection practices in long-winded and complex privacy statements overloaded with legalese. ThereÂ’s no onus on them not to do so, and transparency often merely invites uproar.