Yahoo and Its Family of Brands: Understanding Cookie Usage and Privacy Settings
Yahoo is part of a larger family of brands that encompasses several popular 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 form a diverse digital ecosystem owned and operated under the Yahoo brand umbrella.
Cookie Usage on Yahoo Sites and Apps
When users visit any of the Yahoo family’s websites or use their apps, cookies and similar technologies—like web storage—are utilized to enhance the user experience. Cookies allow the operators of these platforms to store and retrieve information from users’ devices efficiently.
Specifically, cookies are used to:
- Provide uninterrupted access to the sites and apps.
- Authenticate users to secure accounts and protect against spam and abuse.
- Measure site traffic, including the number of visitors, the devices they use (such as iOS or Android), the browsers they prefer, and how long they spend on the sites and apps.
It’s important to note that data collected for measurement is aggregated, meaning it does not identify individual users.
Consent and Privacy Choices
Yahoo and its partners—including 237 organizations participating in the IAB Transparency & Consent Framework—may store and access additional information on devices if users consent. This can include precise geolocation data, IP addresses, browsing habits, and search data. These details are leveraged for analytics, personalized advertising, content customization, advertising and content measurement, audience research, and development of new services.
Users have choices regarding their privacy and the use of cookies:
- Accept all: Permits Yahoo and its partners to collect and use data as described.
- Reject all: Prevents the use of cookies and personal data for the additional purposes.
- Manage privacy settings: Allows users to customize their preferences regarding cookie usage and data collection.
Consent can be withdrawn or preferences changed at any time via links on Yahoo’s sites and apps, such as ‘Privacy & cookie settings’ or ‘Privacy dashboard.’
For those interested in the specifics of how personal data and cookies are handled, Yahoo provides detailed information in its Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
By understanding Yahoo’s approach to cookies and privacy, users can make informed decisions about how their personal information is managed across the diverse platforms within the Yahoo family of brands.
