Yahoo has provided detailed information about its data collection practices and cookie usage across its extensive family of digital brands and platforms. The technology company operates multiple popular websites and mobile applications that collectively serve millions of users worldwide on a daily basis.
The Yahoo family of brands encompasses several well-known digital properties, including the flagship Yahoo platform, AOL, the technology news site Engadget, the lifestyle content platform In The Know, and the DIY-focused Makers brand. These sites and applications are owned and operated directly by Yahoo, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of digital content and services that cater to diverse user interests and demographics.
When users access any of these Yahoo-owned sites and applications, the company implements cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance the user experience. Cookies, which include related technologies such as web storage, are digital tools that allow website and app operators to store and retrieve information from users' devices. Yahoo has established a comprehensive cookie policy that provides users with detailed information about how these technologies function and their various applications.
The company utilizes cookies for several essential operational purposes. Primary functions include providing seamless access to Yahoo's sites and applications, authenticating user identities to ensure secure account access, implementing robust security measures to protect user data and platform integrity, and preventing spam and abuse across all Yahoo properties. These security measures are crucial for maintaining a safe and reliable digital environment for all users.
Yahoo also employs cookies and tracking technologies for measurement and analytics purposes. The company systematically collects data about visitor traffic to its web pages, including the total number of users accessing different sections of its platforms. This measurement system tracks the types of devices users employ, specifically distinguishing between iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as identifying the web browsers visitors use to access Yahoo's services.
Additionally, Yahoo monitors the duration of user visits to its websites and mobile applications to better understand engagement patterns and user behavior. The company emphasizes that all measurement data is collected and processed in aggregate form, meaning individual user activities are not tied to specific personal identities. This aggregated approach to data collection helps protect user privacy while still providing Yahoo with valuable insights to improve its services and user experience across all platforms.
