Return to site

Is it right on the part of Yahoo and AOL to go through your emails?

· Technology

It is being widely reported that Oath, the business arm of Verizon, overseeing both AOL and Yahoo is merging the privacy policy of both these entities.

The new update, which is going to affect millions of users is just about creating the right amount of buzz. In view of the Cambridge Analytica incident, it does appear to have wider ramifications. Looks like, it makes sense to read through the new policy, so as to get a better understanding of the matter, at hand.

Since privacy is a matter of big concern, one must look at the all the aspects.

broken image

What the new update is all about?

From now on, users who log into their respective account, they will be now greeted with a new privacy policy. The policy states that Oath has the right to read emails, instant messages, view photos including email attachments. In fact, plans are afoot to share the same data with Verizon as well.

The basic objective here is to allow the automated systems to check the data, which in turn will assist the parent company to enhance the security, engage the user with more optimized experience and to provide relevant ads, for the benefit of the end user. Although it suggests that no human will have access to the sensitive information, there is no such guarantee proposed.

In simple terms, almost all the sensitive data stored on your email including your banking and financial transactions will be under the purview of the automated system.

While the obvious intention is to empower the users and provide them with greater transparency and control, there are still a few grey areas. For a change, there is a distinct lack of credibility. Given the circumstances and Yahoo’s past history, it does not seem like users will endorse the idea.

By and large, it does create a bit of confusion and this indeed is a matter of great concern. Until everything aspect is taken into consideration, one must refrain from hitting the OK button.

The Bottom Line

Well, the change in privacy policy to an extent will be viewed with some amount of trepidation. Moreover, there is no such clarity as to how the data will be safeguarded and what are mechanisms being utilized for its safekeeping. Besides, most of the users will be concerned with this new move. To allay any fears and want to know more, one can approach the expert, for which they can rely on the Yahoo customer support live chat program.

In doing so, they have a remarkable opportunity to learn about the new developments. Besides, they will also find a way to deal with the Yahoo mail related technical issues.