Yahoo has clarified its position as part of a broader family of digital brands, outlining how the company operates multiple popular websites and applications. The tech giant detailed its data collection practices and cookie usage policies in a comprehensive explanation of its business operations.
The Yahoo family of brands encompasses several well-known digital properties that the company owns and operates. These platforms include Yahoo itself, AOL, the technology news site Engadget, the lifestyle platform In The Know, and Makers, a platform focused on creative content. Each of these properties serves different audiences while operating under Yahoo's corporate umbrella.
When users interact with Yahoo's sites and applications, the company employs cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and maintain platform security. These cookies, which include similar technologies such as web storage, allow Yahoo to store and read information from users' devices. The company has established a detailed cookie policy that explains how these technologies function and their specific purposes.
Yahoo uses its cookie technology for several key operational purposes. The system helps provide and maintain the functionality of Yahoo's sites and apps, ensuring users can access services reliably. Additionally, these technologies authenticate users, implement security measures, and prevent spam and abuse across the platform ecosystem. This multi-layered approach helps protect both individual users and the broader Yahoo community.
The company also conducts comprehensive measurement and analytics through its tracking systems. Yahoo counts the number of visitors to its pages and analyzes the types of devices users employ, including whether they use iOS or Android operating systems. The analytics extend to browser usage patterns and the duration of visits to Yahoo's websites and applications. Importantly, Yahoo emphasizes that this data collection occurs in aggregate form and is not tied to specific individual users, maintaining user privacy while allowing the company to understand broader usage trends.
