Continuing with their policies to ensure user privacy, Mozilla removed the Avast and AVG browser extensions from their listings. The action was the response to the add-ons’ practice of gatherings user data unnecessarily. Since then, Mozilla has now restored both Avast, AVG extensions following their changes.
Why Mozilla Removed The Add-Ons – Quick Recap
Earlier this month, Mozilla revoked the inclusion of Avast and AVG browser extensions due to security concerns.
This action came in response to the findings of Wladimir Palant, creator of the Adblock Plus extension.
He specifically found the two extensions profiling users’ browsing habits, including the collection of unnecessary or unrelated information. This was clearly a violation of the privacy policy of Mozilla.
Following his report, Mozilla removed two Avast and two AVG browser extensions from its add-ons store.
In addition, Opera also took similar action against these extensions.
Avast, AVG Extensions Restored On Mozilla Listing
Upon removal from Mozilla’s add-ons listings, Avast elaborated that they would be working with Mozilla to resolve this matter. They even assured implementing Mozilla’s requirements in updated versions.
Now, Borncity has confirmed that the extensions are now back on Mozilla’s listings. Avast has also ensured the changes in their following statement to Borncity as they acknowledged the restoration of their extensions.
We have never compromised on the security or privacy of personal data. We’re listening to our users and acknowledge that we need to be more transparent with our users about what data is necessary for our security products to work, and to give them a choice in whether they wish to share their data further and for what purpose.
We made changes to our extensions including limiting the use of data and these changes are explained clearly in our Privacy Policy. Our browser extensions Avast Online Security and AVG Online Security are back on the Chrome Store, and on the Mozilla Store (since 12/17). It’s important to us that users understand that we’re listening to concerns about transparency and data use, and striving to do better and lead by example in this area.
According to BleepingComputer, the extensions now explicitly ask users to allow URL scanning. In turn, the add-ons collect far less detail as compared to their previous practice.
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