Mozilla has removed four Firefox extensions created by Avast and its subsidiary AVG after receiving credible reports that the extensions had collected user data and browsing history. The four extensions that have been removed are Avast Online Security, AVG Online Security, Avast SafePrice, and AVG SafePrice. The first two display warnings when users access known malicious or suspicious sites, while the other two offer price comparisons and deals for online shoppers. AdBlock Plus creator Wladimir Palant discovered that the extensions were collecting much more information than necessary. He sent a report to Mozilla to inform the maker of Firefox of his discovery. After analyzing the Avast Online Security and AVG Online Security extensions last month, Palant found that both collected additional data, including a detailed history of user browsing.
Unnecessary snooping
Palant published a blog post detailing its findings in late October, but in a second article revealed that the Avast SafePrice and AVG SafePrice extensions also collected unnecessary data. The first blog post didn't catch the eye, but Palant thought of doing it. He then communicated the extensions to the Mozilla developers. The maker of Firefox took swift action, removing all four add-ons from its portal in less than 24 hours. However, as of this writing, all four extensions are still available on the Chrome Web Store. In his second blog post, Palant explained how difficult it was to get an extension removed from Google Chrome, stating, "And what about Google? Google Chrome is the vast majority of these users. The only official way to report an extension is the "Report Abuse" link. I've used this one well. Sure, but previous experience shows it never has. Extensions have never been removed from the Chrome Web Store after considerable news coverage. "Mozilla and Google strictly prohibit the collection of a user's browsing history. So, expect the upcoming removal of all four Avast and AVG extensions from the Chrome Web Store.- We have also featured the best VPN services