Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is changing?
Yahoo has agreed to sell the AOL business to Bending Spoons. Subject to certain conditions and regulatory filings, once the sale is complete, the AOL companies: AOL Media LLC and AOL Membership Services LLC (collectively, “AOL”), will join Bending Spoons. AOL will be the worldwide provider of AOL’s products and services. AOL Media LLC will be responsible for your personal information. A new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy will cover AOL services.
Outside of the US, for AOL products and services not currently offered by AOL (as defined above), once the sale is complete, your information will be transferred to AOL Media LLC to ensure continuity of service.
-
When does this take effect?
The acquisition is expected to be completed on or after January 2, 2026 (the “Closing Date.”)
-
Will my AOL email address or login change?
No. Your AOL email address, password, and login details will stay the same. You'll continue to access your account and emails in the same way. If there are any future updates to login methods, AOL will notify you directly.
-
Do I need to do anything if I want to continue using AOL?
No, you don't need to do anything. There are no extra charges to continue using the AOL services up to and on completion of the sale. We recommend reviewing the new AOL Terms of Service and Privacy Policy so you understand how the service will be provided and your information will be handled once the sale is complete.
-
What if I don't agree to the new Terms of Service?
If you don’t agree to the new Terms of Service, you’ll need to close your AOL account before January 2, 2026.
-
Can I object to the transfer of my information to a new Data Controller (for European and UK users)?
Yes. If you don't want your information to be transferred to AOL Media LLC, you'll need to close your AOL account before January 2, 2026. After the Closing Date, your information will be managed by AOL Media LLC under its new Privacy Policy. If you don't have an account with AOL, you can object by removing any AOL cookies, by following these instructions.
-
How do I exercise my data rights (access, deletion)?
Before the Closing Date, you can use your AOL privacy controls or privacy form to exercise rights such as access or deletion. After the Closing Date, you'll need to follow the instructions in AOL’s new Privacy Policy to make similar requests about your AOL information.
-
After completion, can I still manage how my data is used?
Yes. You will still be able to manage your privacy settings. You can make choices about things like how your data is used, request a copy of your information, delete it, or adjust cookie settings. These options are also explained in the new Privacy Policy.
-
What happens to my newsletters and marketing preferences?
Your existing newsletter and marketing preferences will remain the same after the sale. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time using your privacy controls or My Marketing Preferences.
-
I keep seeing a banner - why?
We’re displaying this banner on AOL websites and apps to make sure everyone, including users who don’t receive email updates, is informed about the upcoming changes. Some apps may show a single link directing you to a page with more information.
-
Who can I contact with questions?
The quickest way to contact us is through our online privacy form.
European and UK users can also reach Yahoo's Data Protection Officer using the contact details listed in Yahoo International’s Privacy Policy.