Yahoo and Its Family of Brands: Understanding Cookie Use and Privacy Choices
Yahoo is a prominent member of a larger family of digital brands owned and operated by the same parent company. Alongside Yahoo, this family includes popular sites and apps such as AOL, Engadget, In The Know, and Makers. Together, these brands provide a diverse array of content and services to millions of users worldwide.
When users visit these websites or use the associated apps, the sites employ cookies and similar technologies — including web storage — to enhance functionality and user experience. Cookies are small text files stored on a user’s device that allow website operators to save and retrieve information.
Purposes of Cookie Usage
The operators use cookies for several key purposes:
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Service Provision: Cookies enable the sites and apps to function properly and deliver their services to users smoothly.
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Security and Authentication: They help authenticate users, implement security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, safeguarding both the platforms and their users.
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Measurement and Analytics: Cookies collect aggregate data such as the number of visitors, the types of devices used (for example, iOS or Android), web browsers, and how long users stay on the platforms. Importantly, this data is anonymous and is not linked to individual users.
Consent and Privacy Controls
Visitors to Yahoo and its affiliated sites have control over how their data is used. Upon accessing these digital properties, users can choose to:
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Accept All: By consenting, users permit Yahoo and its partners — including 237 companies participating in the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Transparency and Consent Framework — to collect and use data via cookies. This includes precise geolocation, IP addresses, browsing behavior, and search data. This information supports analytics, personalized advertising and content, ad measurement, audience research, and the enhancement of services.
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Reject All: Users can refuse consent for the use of cookies and personal data beyond what is essential for the basic operation of the sites and apps.
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Manage Privacy Settings: Users may customize their preferences regarding data collection and usage.
Furthermore, consent can be withdrawn or modified at any time through links labeled "Privacy & cookie settings" or "Privacy dashboard" found on the websites and apps.
Additional Information
To help users make informed decisions, Yahoo provides detailed explanations about how cookies work and how personal data is handled. Comprehensive information is available in the company’s Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy documents, accessible via the websites.
In summary, Yahoo and its family of brands prioritize transparency and user control over data privacy while employing cookies and related technologies to deliver secure, functional, and personalized digital experiences.