AOL was popular in the 90s for their dial up internet and instant messenger service. Now they have a news website for all sorts of topics and a new email service. They are part of the Oath company, which is AOL and Yahoo combined. Oath is also part of the Verizon company.
Personal data collected
When you sign up for an AOL account, they collect some personal information to help identify your account. When you leave comments, upload photos or videos, send emails or attach documents to emails, or use their messaging service, AOL collects this information. This helps them to provide targeted ads to you. They also collect your financial information if you pay for any of their products or services. AOL collects information from your devices you use to access their websites, including IP address, cookie information, mobile device information, browser version, operating system, mobile network information, device settings, location, and software information. They also collect information from you when you connect your third-party account to AOL or sign in using a third-party partner (like Facebook and Twitter).
Personal data usage
AOL uses data to:
- Update their services and products to better meet your needs.
- Fulfill any requests you have.
- Produce relevant advertising.
- Contact you to market their services or give you information about your account.
- Associate accounts and activity together.
- Share promotions with you.
- Research and develop their services to better tailor your interests to you.
- Use your location to target relevant ads, provide search results in your area, and other content.
- Protect you against fraud.
- Share information about you to other third-parties and vice versa.
Cookies and similar tech
AOL uses cookies, web beacons, development tools and similar technologies to help collect your information and personalize your experience on their website. This also helps them to use targeted ads to show relevant information to you.
AOL account
AOL allows you to access your email and send messages when you have an account with them. They do not collect information for children under 13. Their services are intended for a general audience, but younger children can have a family account signed up by their parents with their consent.
Data shared with DotDash
How to protect your privacy
There are many ways you can protect your privacy while using AOL, including:
- Turning off cookies in your browser.
- Editing your privacy controls.
- Turning off GPS on your phone.
- Not using your phone to access AOL.
- Not signing up for an AOL account.
- Deleting your AOL account.
How to contact AOL about your privacy
You can contact AOL/Oath through their contact form or by postal mail:
Oath
Customer Care – Privacy Policy Issues
701 First Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089