A $16.5 million settlement? The stolen data was worth much more than that. This is a slap on the wrist. This was a HUGE breach of privacy and an even larger theft of personal information.

Who Is being compensated? In this case, no one… Yet.
You can check here: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds

This is another example why AV or VPN softwares are not recommended for the average user. After the release of Windows Vista, followed by Windows 7,  the common viral activity was effectively patched and blocked. Server-side scripts and browsers now do the bulk of collection and tracking activities, despite their latest “security features”.

Try tightening the security settings in your browser, and watch most websites you visit break, or coerce you to accept their invasive cookies.

Murky waters, to say the least.

Do not pay for ANY internet security services, do not use free security programs. Use a browser you believe is safe, don’t click on stupid links. Internet security is constantly evolving, but it’s anyone’s guess.

Stay frosty.