The extension attempts to collect as much context data as possible, and it does so on purpose. Avast products promote this browser heavily, and it will also be used automatically in “Banking Mode.” Given that Avast bought AVG a few years ago, there is also a mostly identical AVG Secure Browser with the built-in AVG Online Security extension.Īvast Online Security collecting personal data of their users is not an oversight and not necessary for the extension functionality either. It is hidden from the extension listing and cannot be uninstalled by regular means, its functionality apparently considered an integral part of the browser. This isn’t obvious but Avast Secure Browser has Avast Online Security installed by default. The culprit is the Avast Online Security extension that these products urge you to install in your browser for maximum protection.īut even if you didn’t install Avast Online Security yourself, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t affected. Are you one of the allegedly 400 million users of Avast antivirus products? Then I have bad news for you: you are likely being spied upon.

Opera extensions avast security