Avira Partners with Abine, Online Privacy Leader, to Launch Do Not Track Feature to More Than 100 Million Users

BOSTON, Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Avira, the fastest growing anti-virus company, and privacy expert Abine, partnered to launch Avira Browser Tracking Blocker, which will allow Avira's 100 million users to stop web tracking with just one click. The feature is built from Abine's market leading DoNotTrackPlus (DNT+) technology, making it the most powerful and comprehensive tracking protection available in any security product. The tool will instantly empower users to choose which websites can track their online behavior, or block them altogether.

More than 200 different companies and 580 tracking technologies invisibly track consumers' browsing activities, often without those consumers' knowledge. Ad networks, social networks, and data collection companies follow every move that Internet users make online, including the sites they visit, things they click, and products they buy. Across the globe, consumers and policy makers are growing increasingly concerned about how data is being collected and used, as seen in The World Economic Forum's study, "A Global Perspective on Freedom of Expression, Privacy, Trust and Security Online." Earlier this year, the White House took action by proposing a "Privacy Bill of Rights," designed to lay the groundwork for improved consumer rights about how data is collected online. Europe's e-privacy directive, implemented in May 2012, gives Internet users stronger rights regarding data collection, deletion, and access.

"We've learned from our customer surveys that 84% of our users worry about their personal information being stolen or misused when surfing the web. Partnering with Abine allows us to immediately bring a proven privacy technology to our users around the globe that lets them take control over their private information," said Travis Witteveen, COO of Avira. "Adding a tracking blocker capability is in line with our philosophy to secure not just the computer but also the computer user. We look for innovative, new features that our users want. Privacy is certainly one of those, and we're confident that we've created a unique product that far exceeds what's in market today."

Avira Browser Tracking Blocker is immediately available for free as part of the company's 'SearchFree' anti-virus toolbar, which can be downloaded as part of Avira's Free Antivirus: http://www.avira.com/en/downloads. The tool is built from the same proven technology used to power Abine's DNT+, which has blocked over 285 billion attempts to track its users since its launch in February 2012. The technology stops the collection of data about users, making it more effective than built-in browser privacy features such as Incognito browsing mode and the Do Not Track header. The technology received an "outstanding" review of 4.5 stars from CNET upon its launch, and continues to be renowned for its powerful blocking skills as well as its ability to maintain the web experience. It is the only technology in the market that effectively blocks tracking by Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks without disabling the ability to "like," tweet, or share when users want to.  Both the product and educational portal about online tracking are available in English and German as well as additional European languages.

"Our partnership with Avira is a natural fit, as those already taking action to improve the security of their computer can now simply improve their online privacy– all with one simple and free tool," said Bill Kerrigan, CEO of Abine. "For consumers concerned about their PC security and online privacy, Avira Browser Tracking Blocker, powered by Abine, is the simplest thing you can do to stop online tracking by advertising and social networks and sustain the health of your PC, putting you back in control over your personal information."

Abine expects that tens of millions of people will enable blocking by the end of the year through the use of DNT+ and partner versions of the product like this one with Avira.

About Avira
Avira wants its customers to 'live free' from spyware, phishing, viruses and other internet-based threats. The company was founded 25 years ago on Tjark Auerbach's promise to "make software that does good things for my friends and family." More than 100 million consumers and small businesses now depend upon Avira's security expertise and award-winning antivirus software, making the company the number-two market share leader globally. Avira provides IT-security protection to computers, smartphones, servers and networks, delivered as both software and cloud-based services. In addition to protecting the online world, Avira's CEO promotes well-being in the offline world through the Auerbach Foundation, which supports charitable and social projects. The philosophy of the foundation is to help people to help themselves. For more information, please visit www.avira.com or join the community at www.facebook.com/avira.

About Abine
People want more control over their personal information online, and Abine is here to help. Abine provides consumers with online privacy solutions that are innovative, easy to use, and work for everyday web users. With proven tools, Abine enables people to both benefit from the Web and retain control over their personal information. Millions of consumers use Abine's products and services, which include the free tracker-blocking tool DoNotTrackPlus and the premium data broker removal service DeleteMe. Abine is backed by premier venture capital firms Atlas Venture and General Catalyst Partners. Abine: The Online Privacy Company ™. Online privacy starts at abine.com.

PRESS CONTACTS:
Gerald Kimber White
RF|Binder Partners
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Rocket Science PR, for Avira
Rich Mullikin, APR
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E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Abine, Inc.