Yahoo and Its Family of Brands: Understanding Cookie Use and Privacy Choices
Yahoo is part of a broad family of brands that includes well-known sites and apps such as AOL, Engadget, Rivals, In The Know, and Makers. Together, these brands offer a diverse range of digital content and services to millions of users worldwide. As part of their commitment to transparency and user control over privacy, Yahoo and its associated properties provide information on how cookies and related technologies are used.
What Are Cookies and How Does Yahoo Use Them?
Cookies, along with similar technologies like web storage, are tools that websites and apps use to store and read information on users’ devices. This technology enables the operators of these sites and apps to deliver a better, more secure, and personalized experience.
Specifically, Yahoo uses cookies to:
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Provide seamless access to its sites and apps.
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Authenticate users and apply security measures to prevent spam and abuse.
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Collect anonymous usage data to measure how users interact with their platforms, including visitor counts, device types (such as iOS or Android), browser types, and duration of visits. This information is collected in aggregate and is not linked to individual users.
Consent and Privacy Controls
When users visit Yahoo and its family of sites, they are presented with options to manage their cookie preferences. By clicking “Accept all,” users consent to Yahoo and its partners—over 230 participants in the IAB Transparency & Consent Framework—storing and accessing information on their devices. This may include the use of precise geolocation data, IP addresses, browsing and search behavior, among other personal data.
These data points are used for purposes such as:
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Analytics to improve service quality.
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Personalizing advertisements and content.
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Measuring the effectiveness of advertising and content.
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Audience research and the development of new services.
Users who prefer not to allow the use of cookies and personal data for these additional purposes can choose the “Reject all” option. For those who want more granular control, Yahoo offers a “Manage privacy settings” choice where individuals can customize their cookie and data preferences.
Ongoing Control and Transparency
Importantly, users have the ability to withdraw their consent or alter their privacy choices at any time. This can be done through links labeled “Privacy & cookie settings” or “Privacy dashboard” available on Yahoo sites and apps. Comprehensive details about how personal data is handled can be found in Yahoo’s privacy policy and cookie policy.
Conclusion
As part of its family of brands, Yahoo prioritizes user experience alongside privacy and security. By providing clear information on cookie use and offering multiple options for users to manage their data preferences, Yahoo aims to maintain transparency and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their digital privacy.