Consumer Notice

Making advertising relevant, while respecting your choice.

AOL Behavioral Targeting works with hundreds of existing websites to ensure that the online advertising you see is relevant and useful.

We anonymously categorize web surfing interests using a small text file in the browser called a cookie to deliver targeted advertising. You may opt-out of these targeted ads at any time.

For example:

Use of Cookies Statement for AOL Behavioral Targeting

• How does AOL Behavioral Targeting improve online advertising?
  For many, the term “online advertising” conjures up images of web pages cluttered with irrelevant ads and annoying offers. AOL believes your online experience can be better. We deliver ads that are likely to offer greater relevance by working with hundreds of name brand websites and advertisers to deliver ads based on your previous web viewing interests.
• What is a cookie?
  A cookie, otherwise known as a browser cookie, is a small text file that is stored on your computer. These cookies that can be read back later, thus allowing the browser to remember specific information that can help simplify and/or improve your online experience. Cookies are not software, and as such, they cannot perform surreptitious activities or monitoring; cookies are not spyware or adware. Cookies are typically exceedingly small (less than the size of a file containing a short sentence or two) and take virtually no space on or slow down your computer.

  Cookie File Example

  ID: KE2c0202509fs; ---------------s/csa---Content Interests: Sports: Tennis, Football CarMake as one of Acura, Lexus, Audi, Local: Austin, TX; ac40t9va01,--052fci2, 0 Segments: Tennis, Luxury Auto, Local News

• How does this work in practice?
  If you have visited a participating website and viewed golf-related content, the next time you access a website, you could be shown ads from a golf equipment company or golf resort, rather than simply a generic ad that is not relevant to you. Or if you have visited several pages reviewing new minivan models, you may later be shown ads from auto manufacturers. This is aimed at improving your online experience.
• Are cookies safe?
  Yes. Cookies are only used to recognize visitors and their aggregate historical viewing interests; they never contain or store any personal information. AOL Behavioral Targeting does not collect any personal information from your computer such as your e-mail address, passwords or account numbers.
• What if I delete my cookies?
  Virtually all browsers allow you to manage cookies. For instance, you can control which cookies are placed on your computer and also periodically delete these cookies. However, most websites use cookies in some way to enhance your viewing experience, from enabling easy e-commerce transactions and personalized webpages to simplifying website login and receiving relevant advertising; these will be lost if you delete cookies.
• Will I ever need to renew my opt-out?
  You will need to opt-out again if you delete your cookies, cache files, buy a new computer, or change web browsers. The Opt-Out is only maintained when AOL Behavioral Targeting can read the opt-out status in the cookie folder.
• Can I opt-out of the network?
  Yes. You can choose not to receive targeted advertising from AOL Behavioral Targeting. Simply click here to opt-out. This opt-out service is provided by the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI). Please remember that opting out does not prevent you from seeing ads from AOL or our partners; it simply means you will no longer receive ads relevant to your historical viewing interests.
• Does AOL Behavioral Targeting have a Formal Privacy Policy?
  Yes, we do. Please visit our Privacy Policy statement.