Photo by As a long-time user of the internet, I’ve become increasingly aware of the importance of online privacy. With more and more of our personal lives being lived out online, it’s essential that we take steps to protect ourselves from prying eyes. That’s why I was shocked to learn about the ways in which some of the biggest online companies are collecting and using our data.
One of the most egregious offenders is Yahoo, which is part of the Yahoo family of brands. Along with its sister company AOL, Yahoo operates a vast network of websites and apps that collect and use our data in all sorts of ways. From cookies and authentication to security measures and anti-spam protocols, Yahoo’s use of our data is far-reaching and often opaque.
But what really caught my attention was the way in which Yahoo uses our data for personalized advertising and content. Using our IP addresses, browsing and search data, and even our location, Yahoo creates detailed profiles of its users that it can use to serve up targeted ads. And if that wasn’t enough, the company also shares this data with its partners, including some 237 companies that are part of the IAB Transparency & Consent Framework.
Now, I’m not naive - I know that online advertising is a necessary evil, and that companies like Yahoo need to make money somehow. But that doesn’t mean that I’m comfortable with the idea of my personal data being used in ways that I don’t fully understand or control. And I’m not alone - as more and more people become aware of the ways in which their data is being used, there’s a growing movement to take back control of our online lives.
So what can we do? For starters, we can take steps to limit the amount of data that we share with companies like Yahoo. We can use browser extensions to block cookies and trackers, and we can opt out of targeted advertising. We can also support companies that prioritize our privacy, and advocate for stronger regulations that protect our rights.
But most importantly, we need to educate ourselves about the ways in which our data is being used, and demand more transparency and accountability from the companies that handle it. It’s time to take back control of our online lives - and it’s time for companies like Yahoo to start taking our privacy seriously.
The Yahoo headquarters in Sunnyvale, California
“We believe that our users have the right to control their own data, and we’re committed to giving them the tools they need to do so.” - A Yahoo spokesperson
But is this commitment to transparency and user control just empty words, or is the company truly committed to change? Only time will tell.
The AOL logo
As I looked into the ways in which Yahoo uses our data, I couldn’t help but think of the old days of AOL. Remember those CDs that used to show up in the mail, offering us 1000 free hours of internet access? It’s hard to believe that those days are behind us, and that AOL is now just another part of the Yahoo family of brands.
But as I delved deeper into the world of online data collection, I realized that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just as AOL once dominated the online landscape, today’s tech giants are just as powerful and just as opaque. And it’s up to us to demand more.
The Yahoo logo
As I finished my research for this article, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. The world of online data collection is complex and opaque, and it’s clear that companies like Yahoo are playing a long game when it comes to our personal data. But by educating ourselves and taking control of our online lives, we can fight back. And it’s time for companies like Yahoo to start taking our privacy seriously.
