AVG introduces “Do Not Track” feature

AVG Technologies launched its active “Do Not Track” feature to the mainstream Internet security marketplace.

Today, it is commonplace for websites to collect data about users. While not inherently bad, some sites share user data with third parties – and consumers, as well as policy makers, are growing increasingly concerned about this practice. For example, some forms of tracking allow advertisers to follow users around the Internet and deliver targeted advertising across multiple websites in ways consumers are unaware.

Passive “Do Not Track” was introduced by the W3C and relies on users’ voluntary adherence to this feature notification.

This W3C Service Pack adds passive Do Not Track and is on by default. However, because compliance is voluntary, it doesn’t give the consumer real control over data collection.

By contrast, AVG’s additional new and active “Do Not Track” feature brings online privacy control to mainstream consumers by informing them and offering the choice to block tracking directly or turn it on and off as desired.

New customers who purchase AVG’s 2012 product and current customers who update AVG’s free and paid 2012 consumer security products with the new Service Pack will be automatically protected from sites and networks that invade their online privacy. At the same time, users can modify this default setting from within the user interface – putting control firmly in the hands of consumers.