My phone just upgraded its Norton Mobile Security version from Version 3.15.0.3147 to Version 3.16.0.3164.
In this new version, when clicking on App Settings, there is no "Ongoing Notifications (Display Security Status)" option !
As a result, the "infinity sign" is missing from the phone's notification area. This is annoying, since now I can't see the Norton status.
I wonder why Symantec made such an unwise change.
I was also offered 3.16.0.3185 on my phone and accepted the update. After this experience, I have turned the automatic updates off for now.
I can confirm that the persistent (on-going) notification and the icon at the top of the screen are back, although the notification message is changed from 'your device is protected' to 'no malware detected'.
I got the following rather inaccurate and unhelpful response from Symantec about the issue with 3.16.0.3179 and no mention of the 3185 version ;
'... Notifications are not removed from the app, you will still receive app notifications from Norton Mobile Security for scan or updates this feature is not removed but, we have made it automatic. We are releasing the updates in a phased manner so all your Android devices should get this update soon. If you are not seeing any notifications, please run live update from settings until “no updates” available and then restart your device. '
Good news. Thanks for letting us know.
Hopefully it is as I suggested that the first users that get it complained and the bug was fixed before distribution was expanded. Still not available to me.
My phone just upgraded to version 3.16.0.3185
The option to have the Ongoing Notifications is back. 
Well, if this how Symantec "monitors for problems before fully releasing it to everyone", than they are not doing such a great job -
Or maybe it is a good job in this case. It still is not available to me in the Play Store, and it could be because of the feedback from the first users of the new version. Norton could have stopped distribution to fix this.
I'll ask my contacts if this loss of the notification was a bug or by design.
BTW I have responded to a couple of posts where the user did not want this notification. Can't please everyone.
Well, if this how Symantec "monitors for problems before fully releasing it to everyone", than they are not doing such a great job -
If this is the final release for now, and the "persistent 'your device is protected' notification" is still missing, than it means they didn't really pay attention to what the users think of it.
This version is now the release version. So you are not technically beta testing. What is happening though is that the version gets released for a short time and then Norton monitors for problems before fully releasing it to everyone. It is luck of the draw if you get the release before others.
Thanks. I checked and I'm not enrolled in any beta app testing. But this does not stop Symantec from using me (and other, apparently, like WalkingMan) as beta testers... My phone just got upgraded to version 3.16.0.79 - but they didn't bother to fix the lack of the Ongoing Notifications app's settings...
I'm in the UK and have the same issue. Sometime in the past few days, the persistent 'your device is protected' notification is no longer displayed and the padlock icon has also disappeared from the top of my screen. This is on a Samsung S3 with Android 4.3. NMS about shows the version is 3.16.0.3179 and I have not initiated or installed any updates. My wife's phone (also S3 with Android 4.3) still has NMS v3.15.0.3134 and still displays the notifications and icon as before. Both phones had previously been identical and both previously showed the same notifications and icon.
It appears that NMS has updated itself on my phone and if the notifications and icon have been removed by design in the new version it would have been nice for Symantec to advise customers in advance or at least provide a one-time notification the first time the new version is started. The very least we now need is for Symantec to confirm that they have removed these from the new version of NMS.
I'm just checking with my Norton sources, and was told that the update may be available in select areas. It may be getting phased in slowly, so they can check for any problems with the wider distribution.
To see if you are enrolled in any beta app testing, open Google Play Store and open My Apps and Games. Look in the Beta tab (you may not see this if you are not enrolled in any beta's). If it is there, and you do not see Norton Mobile Security listed, you are not a beta tester.
that's an excellent question because I've never signed up for a beta test... This last update was one of a group, and I just clicked on 'Update All', like I always do...
Is there a place where I can Find if I'm a beta tester and change this status?
I am trying to find out how you might have gotten this version if you did not sign up for a beta test. Is it possible you were on the Google Play Store and scrolled down to the bottom of the page and chose to be a beta tester? That could explain how you got this version.
Thanks. the only feedback link I could find is a link to this forum...
By the way, if this is a beta version then this is even a bigger issue - why does Symantec offer a beta version for download without any warning that it is a beta version?
This may be a good question, but as 3164 is a beta version, you will not find answers here. Yet..
Check around in the beta version app, and you may find a feedback link somewhere. Use that to voice your concerns.