When I updated to the 2015 version of Avast, something happened that involved Avast killing my internet connection whenever shields were up. A quick uninstall-reinstall did the trick but since completely uninstalling and reinstalling the client, I’ve had to change all of my settings back to the way I want them. In doing so, I’ve realized that there no longer seems to be an option to stop Avast from collecting information about me despite the fact that the installation wizard has a whole panel devoted to its information collection and how it can be turned off in-client. However, I can’t find the option to opt out. Where has it been moved to?
Have you looked in General settings?
Yes. It’s not there.
EDIT: I haven’t used the free version of Avast in a while, as I pay for the Internet Security version. If there are differences in the layout of their clients, as there is (or used to be) in the free and premium versions of programs such as Malwarebytes, I wouldn’t know.
I’m not really sure what area of information you are concerned about - but for the most part any information is anonymous.
The ‘Participate avast in the Avast community’ is in the General Settings as mentioned - this is geared up to help improve detections, etc. from your use of avast.
If you mean “not” allowing avast to “track” your internet usage? Not possible.
Avast has the right (see the EULA) to use “non-personal” information. All anti virus
vendors do this to improve the protection they provide. And that information is
confidential and is not shared outside those who need to know.
To opt-out of the avast community…GUI>General>untick the box.
I’m aware of that, and no, that wasn’t what I meant. I’ve read the EULA. As a matter of principle, I opt out of any and all data collection with any program that has collection set to “on” by default, regardless of whether or not the information is provided anonymously.
@DavidR
Thanks.