2014-09-09

Press Release – AVG

AVG Launches a ‘Nutritional Label’ Style Privacy Notice on its Mobile Apps

New AVG Short Data Privacy Notice for AVG’s online security, privacy and performance apps makes it clear what information is collected and why

Auckland, New Zealand – September, 10, 2014 – AVG® Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company for 182 million active users, today announced that it has now rolled out its AVG Short Data Privacy Notice on its most popular mobile apps. Quick and easy to read like a nutritional label, the new short privacy notice provides an at-a-glance summary of what customer data AVG’s mobile apps do and do not collect, and how and why the data may be shared.

The AVG Short Data Privacy Notice can now be viewed in the following apps: AVG AntiVirus for Android™, AVG PrivacyFix™, and AVG Cleaner. One of the first companies in the industry to roll-out this approach, AVG developed its template following the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) Privacy Multi-StakeHolder Process, which resulted in the publication of an industry best practice guide in July 2013, Short Form Notice Code of Conduct to Promote Transparency in Mobile App Practices. The code, which is backed by global consumer and privacy groups, calls for a short privacy notice that uses standardised and straightforward language.

As part of the NTIA effort, consumer and privacy groups, that include the Future of Privacy Forum, backed a code calling for a short privacy notice that uses standardised and straightforward language. “As apps add new biometric sensors and are used to monitor data ranging from health and fitness to smart home devices, the stakes for getting consumer notices right become higher,” said Jules Polonetsky of the Future of Privacy Forum. “AVG has also made it easy for developers to navigate the complexities of privacy by using a privacy notice developed by consumer advocates and leading businesses”.

The AVG Short Data Privacy Notice can be viewed in the main menu of AVG’s mobile apps in the ‘About’ section. Clicking on the ‘Privacy Policy’ option opens three tabs that provide an overview of the policy, allowing customers to easily see what data is collected and shared by AVG, and why. The AVG Short Data Privacy Notice will roll out on the rest of AVG’s mobile app over the next few months.

“Transparency and choice are foundational elements to establishing user trust. Providing these in the mobile environment is even more challenging because of the form factor constraints, so that’s why we’re pioneering the effort to make mobile privacy notices shorter, simpler, and easier to understand,” said Harvey Anderson, Chief Legal Officer, AVG Technologies. “Our AVG Short Data Privacy Notice is one step in the evolution of the old notice and consent model that will over time become the standard in all app and desktop environments.”

Further information on AVG’s privacy policy and privacy products

• Read AVG’s full privacy policy: http://www.avg.com/eu-en/privacy

• Download AVG’s Digital Privacy Guide: http://www.avg.com/ebooks/digital-privacy#.U7ahqRuYbIUFind out more about AVG PrivacyFix:http://www.avg.com/privacyfix

• Download AVG PrivacyFix application for PC, mobile and tablet:

• http://www.privacyfix.com/start/install

• Try our Wi-Fi Assistant innovation app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avg.wifiassist

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About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people. AVG has over 182 million active users, as of June 30, 2014, using AVG’s products and services including Internet security, performance optimisation, and personal privacy and identity protection. By choosing AVG’s products, users become part of a trusted global community that engages directly with AVG to provide feedback and offer mutual support to other customers.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

ENDS

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