Yahoo and Its Family of Brands: Understanding Their Use of Cookies and Data Privacy
Yahoo is part of a larger family of brands that encompasses a variety of websites and applications. These include not only Yahoo itself but also other well-known platforms such as AOL, Engadget, In The Know, and Makers. Together, these sites and apps are owned and managed by the same parent company, offering users a wide range of digital content and services.
The Role of Cookies in Enhancing User Experience
When users access Yahoo and its affiliated sites or apps, cookies and similar technologies, like web storage, play a key role. Cookies allow operators to store and read information on users’ devices. This technology helps improve functionality and user experience by enabling the sites to:
- Provide the services and functionalities users expect.
- Authenticate users while implementing security measures and preventing spam or abuse.
- Measure the use of the websites and apps to better understand user engagement.
These cookies collect aggregated data such as the visit count, the device type (iOS or Android), the browser in use, and the length of time a user spends on a site or application. Importantly, this information is collected in a way that is not linked to individual users, maintaining anonymity.
Consent and Options for Data Use
Yahoo makes clear that when users click "Accept All," both Yahoo and its partners—including the 237 companies participating in the IAB Transparency and Consent Framework—will store cookies and utilize additional precise data. This includes geolocation, IP addresses, browsing behavior, and search data. The purpose of collecting such information is to conduct analytics, serve personalized advertisements and content, measure advertising performance, perform audience research, and develop services.
Users who prefer not to have their cookies and personal data used for these additional purposes can select the "Reject All" option. For those who want more control, Yahoo offers the possibility to customize their privacy preferences through the "Manage Privacy Settings" option.
Flexibility in Privacy Preferences
Yahoo allows users to revoke consent or change their privacy settings at any time. This can be done by accessing the "Privacy and Cookies Settings" or the "Privacy Dashboard" available on Yahoo’s sites and applications.
For those interested in a deeper understanding of how Yahoo processes personal data, detailed information is provided in Yahoo’s Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
By providing transparent choices and controls, Yahoo and its family of brands aim to respect user privacy while delivering personalized and secure experiences across their digital platforms.