Avast shutters data-selling subsidiary amid user outrage

Enlarge / An Avast Antivirus logo displayed on a smartphone. (credit: Rafael Henrique | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images)

One of the world's largest antivirus providers is ending a program that collected and sold users' Web browsing data a few days after media reports exposed the platform.

Avast CEO Ondrej Vlcek announced late Thursday the end of the data-selling subsidiary, known as Jumpshot. Writing in an open letter, he said that he and the company's board "have decided to terminate the Jumpshot data collection and wind down Jumpshot's operations, with immediate effect."

The pervasive operations of Jumpshot came to light earlier this week following reporting by Vice Motherboard and PCMag. Jumpshot described itself as "the only company that unlocks walled garden data... to provide marketers with unparalleled visibility, analytical insights and a more comprehensive understanding of the online customer journey that delivers a highly competitive advantage."

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