Access location request

[silkie]

Every time I log in to my AOL email account a small window appears - "Will you allow AOL to access your location" with options: allow location access/ don't allow.  I click "don't" but with no difference next time.  The irritation prompts me to ask if I can get rid of this window, and, anyway, why would AOL want to know my location - what's in it for them?  Any comments appreciated.

[Geek-9pm]

Why do thy want your location?
In improves their demographic database. The choices, preferences and vocabulary a person has might relate to his location.
It helps them advertise. The can offer advertisers the ability to tailor advertisements to suit people in a given area.  For example, people living in Alaska may not be interested in portable ice makers,  but customers in Arizona would.

If I were AOL and I knew you live in Arizona, I would give you this link:

..And tell you where the nearest Walmart is in Arizona.
Depending on your location.

Might that be a good answer your question?   

[BC_Programmer]

why would AOL want to know my location - what's in it for them?

More accurate data on their users that they can sell.

[silkie]

Thanks for replies - it's as I thought.  I presume there is no way to stop this request and I wonder they bother to ask.

[Mark.]

I'm assuming this AOL pop-up requesting your location is happening from within your browser?
can you not disable the geo-location feature or try any browser?

[silkie]

Thanks for your comment, Mark.  It is Firefox connected - Access via IE is OK.
I did try disabling the feature in Firefox but the info given was rather confusing:
   
    In the URL bar, type about:config
    Type geo.enabled
    Double click on the geo.enabled preference
    Location-Aware Browsing is now disabled

the first instruction brings a warning about tampering, and the second left me wondering where to type, so I'll leave well enough alone.

 

[Mark.]

after you enter about:config, FF pops up a 'there be dragons' warning, simply answer "yes I know what I'm doing" and proceed.

in the Search Bar type geo.enabled and it'll find all references to that.
double click it to change True to False.

[silkie]

Thanks again for explanation Mark.  Instructions followed and were successful - no pop-ups in FF AOL.