About the AOL Network Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AOL Network?

The AOL Network is a network of leading Web properties and services that offers features like AIM Mail with spam protection, and provides enhanced access to content and services on AOL.com and other web sites, such as Mapquest.com, Moviefone.com, and AIM.com. You gain access to these features and services by registering with the AOL Network.

How do I register for the AOL Network?

If you use the AOL Instant Messenger service, you already have a Screen Name. To register for the AOL Network, just sign in using your existing screen name and password. You will then need to complete a one-time registration process and accept the AOL Network's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

If you do not have a Screen Name, click to register for a Screen Name.The registration process is simple, quick, and free.

What is the difference between registered and non-registered users of the AOL Network?

Some of the content and features from properties in the AOL Network are available for free to any Web visitor. They include maps and directions from Mapquest, movie information from Moviefone, local events and reviews from Cityguide, shopping advice from inStore, and news and information from AOL.com and other AOL Network properties.

Other personalized and enhanced features and content from the AOL Network require a user to register to gain access to them, like AIM Mail, Address Book, Calendar, Message Boards, and My AOL. Registration for the AOL Network is absolutely free, and users only have to register once to access personalized and enhanced content from across the Network.

Do AOL members have to register for the AOL Network?

No, AOL members who sign in to the AOL Network using their AOL member Screen Name get automatic access to all of the content and features of the AOL Network. If an AOL member would like to register for the AOL Network by creating a new Screen Name, they also can do so.

Which privacy policy and terms of service cover AOL members?

AOL members are governed by the AOL service Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. If an AOL member decides to register for the AOL Network with a new Screen Name, the AOL Network Terms of Service and Privacy Policy apply to the use of that Screen Name.

Do current AIM users need to re-register for the AOL Network to continue using their current AIM software?

No, current AIM users can continue to use their currently-installed version of the AIM software without registering for the AOL Network. If an AIM user would like to upgrade to the most recent version of the AIM software that includes AIM Mail, he or she must register for the AOL Network to do so.

How can I learn more about the AOL Network's privacy practices?

The AOL Network gathers personally identifiable information when its registered users take advantage of the Network's features and services. To learn about how the AOL Network uses your information, as well as the choices you have about how your information is used, please click here to read the AOL Network Privacy Policy.

Does the AOL Network read private e-mails or IMs?

No, we do not disclose or read the private online communications of AOL Network users except in the limited circumstances described in the AOL Network Privacy Policy (for example, in response to a legal process).

How does the AOL Network use information about searches?

Our goal is to better personalize your experience with the AOL Network. The AOL Network plans to use information about the searches you perform through the Network, and how you use the results of those searches, to help customize and improve an AOL Network user's search results and, over time, to provide more relevant content and offers to you. To provide users with control and privacy, the AOL Network will allow a user to disable this personalization functionality for either specific searches or all searches, as well as to review and/or delete any or all of his/her past searches.

How can I change my AOL Network registration data and preferences?

As a registered user, you can view, edit, or update your information through My Account at any time.

Why does my information sometimes appear in certain registration screens?

We want you to access the content you're interested in as quickly as possible. Where possible, we will 'pre-fill' online screens with registration information you previously provided AOL to save you time and effort when registering for the AOL Network. The information in these 'filled' screens is pulled automatically from the information you provided when you created your Screen Name.