Here's a good article on how your Anti-Virus Software is selling your data It's worse than you think - the article shows how anonymous data can be linked to you.  Doesn't matter who collects the data. I don't think everyone understands how easily anyone or any company can track everything you do.  All they need to do is crosscheck a few records (data-sets), and now they can tie your name to your complete online history. https://www.extremetech.com/internet/305344-avasts-free-antivirus-harvests-all-your-clicks-sells-them-to-third-parties