Yahoo and Its Family of Brands: Understanding Privacy and Cookie Usage
Yahoo, a well-known name in the digital landscape, operates as part of the broader Yahoo family of brands, which encompasses various platforms and applications. In addition to Yahoo itself, this family includes popular entities such as AOL, Engadget, Rivals, In The Know, and Makers. Together, these brands provide a diverse array of content and services to millions of users worldwide.
The Importance of Cookies at Yahoo
When users interact with any of the Yahoo sites or applications, cookies are employed as a vital part of the experience. Cookies, along with similar technologies like web storage, enable the operators of these websites and apps to store and retrieve information from users’ devices. This functionality is crucial for ensuring that users can access services seamlessly.
How Yahoo Uses Cookies
Yahoo utilizes cookies for several essential purposes:
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Site Functionality: Cookies are used to provide the various services and applications offered by Yahoo. They help maintain user sessions and enhance overall site functionality.
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User Authentication and Security: By leveraging cookie technology, Yahoo can authenticate users, implement security measures, and mitigate spam and abuse. This helps create a safe online environment for all users.
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Measurement and Analytics: Yahoo collects data related to user interactions on its platforms, such as the number of visitors to specific pages, the type of devices being used (iOS or Android), the web browsers in use, and the length of visits. This data, collected in aggregate form, assists Yahoo in understanding user engagement and improving service delivery without compromising individual privacy.
User Consent and Privacy Choices
When users visit Yahoo’s websites or applications, they are presented with options regarding the use of cookies and personal data. By choosing ‘Accept all,’ users consent to allow Yahoo and its partners—including 238 entities associated with the IAB Transparency & Consent Framework—to store or access information on their devices. This option includes the use of precise geolocation data and personal data such as IP address, browsing, and search data. These elements are utilized for various purposes, including analytics, personalized advertising, content measurement, audience research, and service development.
For those who prefer not to have their data used for these additional purposes, the ‘Reject all’ option is available. Users also have the opportunity to customize their cookie preferences by clicking on the ‘Manage privacy settings’ link.
It is crucial for users to know that they maintain control over their consent and can withdraw or modify their choices at any time. This can be done through the ‘Privacy & cookie settings’ or ‘Privacy dashboard’ links available on Yahoo’s platforms. More comprehensive information about data usage can be found in Yahoo’s privacy and cookie policies.
Conclusion
Yahoo’s family of brands continues to evolve, providing users with a rich and varied array of content and services. Understanding the company’s approach to cookies and personal data is essential for users to make informed decisions about their online privacy. As always, Yahoo emphasizes the importance of user consent and the customization of privacy settings to protect individual preferences.