Is Bitdefender spying us silently?

yankee0903 · 2024-12-15T17:49:14+00:00

There was an error rendering this rich post.

Hi all,

I noticed that Product reports option is automatically turned on after each update (see screenshot).

On 6th Nov 2024 I created a ticket (#1009682346) but I received just "general answer" that I can turn it of manually. Really? After each update? Not acceptable for me.

What do you think?

Thanks for all answers!

Find more posts tagged with

update

total security

privacy

critical bug

online privacy

Comments

Scott

Hi @yankee0903

When we install Bitdefender we're given an option to check it, or not at that time. Which can also be disabled from within the app as you've shown.

If it automatically enables after a build update, I'm not sure, as I've always kept mine enabled.

Here is a article regarding Bitdefender's privacy policy.

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/site/view/legal-privacy

Considering all of the settings we have to disable in Windows, and all that would have to be disabled in Chrome and Edge (compared to the more private Brave, FF and DuckDuckGo) for privacy's sake, Bitdefender's one tick solution to disable that option is wonderful, IMO :)

Cheers

Flexx

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/102552/is-bitdefender-spying-us-silently

This is a common practice across the industry, as it helps improve the effectiveness of their products without compromising user privacy. The data collected is usually anonymized and focused on enhancing software performance, detecting new threats, and providing better customer support. By gathering insights from users' interactions with the software, vendors can quickly address issues, improve detection algorithms, and release more efficient updates. Despite this, no personal information is shared, ensuring privacy is maintained while still allowing vendors to refine their products based on real-world usage.

On my friend's PC, he has ESET installed, and it also has this option. In fact, every antimalware vendor product has this option. Below is the image from the ESET product.

Regards

Scott

@Flexx exactly, and I keep it enabled for the reasons you mentioned. If it can help Bitdefender be more efficient, improve the app, I'm all for it.

And also as you said, it's a common practice, to help improve the AV. This is from F-Secure.

Cheers

yankee0903

If Bitdefender offers me option to turn it off then I want to keep it disabled. I don't want any app to turn on/off any option behind my back. This is possible privacy issue and not acceptable for me personally, especially if the app is paid.

Scott

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/347813#Comment_347813

My notebook hasn't updated to the latest build yet:

I disabled Product reports, and when the newest build rolls out to me, if it's re-enabled, I will get in touch with support and see what they say.

Cheers :)

yankee0903

ok, then let us know the result. thank you!

Scott

@yankee0903 what timing, I just ran a manual update and it did install the latest build. Even though BD didn't request a restart, I restarted the notebook, just for better build update "housekeeping" sake. The Products report option was still disabled.

If on your end, it's not keeping that setting, you could try running a Repair, or contacting Support from one of the 3 options that will be listed as you scroll through the Troubleshooting box. I hope it works for you :)

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/13429/

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/

Scott

Alexandru_BD

Hi @yankee0903,

Obviously, the preference to have this option disabled should be kept even after an update. So, I don't think this is the intended behavior. I would advise you to reply on the ticket you have and provide the Support representatives with the following information: OS, product version and if the issue can be reproduced after a clean reinstall of Bitdefender.

Regards,

Alex

yankee0903

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/347830#Comment_347830

Hello, if possible please check it again after 2-3 hours and let us know. Thank you!

yankee0903

FYI, this is the last response I received.

Alexandru_BD

Ok so this is good news, it means they are looking into it and based on the above message, it seems that this only happens when updating manually. Like I said, this is not the intended behavior. 🙂

@yankee0903 thank you for pointing this out! 🤝

yankee0903

Hello again, it's not caused just by manual update. I disabled the option and checked after few hours and it was enabled again. So bug is still there 🙃

Alexandru_BD

@yankee0903 it looks like @Scott could not reproduce this on his device, based on his findings :

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/347830#Comment_347830

But if there's really a bug there, they will find it and fix it, but just to set the right expectations here, most probably it will take some time.

yankee0903

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/347830#Comment_347830

Hi,

Please do one more test for us.

Disable the option
Restart your PC
Check the status

On my PCs (tested on desktop and laptop) it reenables after simple restart.

Thank you!

@Alexandru_BD

Scott

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/347842#Comment_347842

I sure will. And thank you for posting supports response, as I had done a manual update to check for the build update (my previous post) and it was still disabled.

Scott

https://community.bitdefender.com/en/discussion/comment/347848#Comment_347848

Sorry, I'm not sure what to think, as I shut my PC down, restated it and it was still disabled. Then ran a manual update, restarted my notebook, and it was still disabled, so I'm not sure what the difference is.

I even enabled it, just in case it was "stuck" on the off position, restarted the notebook, then disabled it, ran a manual update, restarted my notebook, and it was still disabled. This notebook is running Window 11 Home version 24H2.

Maybe try running a Repair? But if Support acknowledged it, may not help.

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/13429/

I don't have any other PC's with BD installed, so this is the best I have for you.

Kind regards.

Flexx

Since the issue has been resolved, this post is now closed for further comments.

Regards