With Verizon selling AOL and Yahoo to Apollo Global Management, it’s a great time to delete unused accounts and protect your data. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Why Delete Your Old Accounts?

• Data Risks: Unused accounts contain emails, portfolios, and personal information vulnerable to breaches (e.g., Yahoo’s 2013 breach affecting 500M users).
• Privacy: Your data can be monetized or targeted for ads without your benefit.
• Control: Deleting accounts prevents corporations from trading or using your data.

Steps to Delete Your Yahoo Account

Download Important Data
- Emails:
- Use Gmail or another service to import your Yahoo emails.
- In Gmail: Go to Settings > Accounts & Import > Add a Mail Account and follow instructions.
- Other Data:
- Visit Yahoo’s Privacy Dashboard.
- Go to Manage Your Information > Download My Data > Select Data > Request Download.
- It may take up to 30 days to receive your data.

Delete Your Yahoo Account
- Visit Yahoo Account Deletion Page.
- Enter your password, click Continue > Delete My Account, and confirm by entering your email.
- Look for a message: "Your account has been deactivated and scheduled for deletion."

Recovery Option
- Log in within 30 days to restore your account if needed.

Steps to Delete Your AOL Account

Archive Your Data
- Emails:
- Use email apps like Outlook or Mac Mail with AOL’s IMAP settings. Detailed instructions are here.
- Archiving can be slow for large mailboxes and take days.
- Other Data:
- Access AOL’s Privacy Dashboard.
- Go to Manage Your Information > Request Download.

Delete Your AOL Account
- Visit the AOL Account Termination Page.
- Follow prompts similar to Yahoo’s process.

If You Have Multiple Usernames
- Delete each username individually, ending with the primary username.

Paid AOL Accounts
- Visit My Account to cancel paid services before deletion.

Keep in Mind

• Deleted accounts are scheduled for permanent removal after 30 days, during which you can recover them if needed.
• Ensure all balances are paid off for paid accounts before deletion.

Taking these steps ensures your personal data stays protected and stops companies from profiting off old accounts.

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