AOL amended its privacy policy this past week and elaborated on its decision not to respond to web browsers' “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals.
Similarly to Yahoo's recent decision, AOL noted that the lack of a standard on DNT requests allows companies to interpret them as they want, and AOL has opted to not take action toward them, according to the company's FAQ page. DNT settings prevent third parties from collecting information on users' web browsing activities.
AOL's clarification follows California's enactment of a privacy law that requires commercial website and online service operators that collect users' personal information to disclose whether they honor DNS signals.
Although AOL's statement came eight months after the law's enactment, companies that do not follow it are subject to a possible lawsuit. Its updated privacy policy takes effect on September 1.