why am i getting a pop-up window demanding that I agree to allow thunderbird mail to have access to AOL conacts, calendar, and mail?

If you don't agree to let Thunderbird access your email and other services, you will not get them. It is required.

Is this new a new policy? And why does Thunderbird need this access? Thank you, Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,

It's not a change and it's not a matter of policy. It's how the technology works. Thunderbird is an "e-mail client". E-mail clients work by accessing users' accounts at servers run by e-mail service providers. They retrieve mail from those accounts and send mail from those accounts. So, as Lin says, access to the accounts is required. Without it, Thunderbird cannot fetch or send messages for you (or use your address books or manage your calendar).

Thunderbird is an agent, "someone" who you have authorized to manage your email. You are telling AOL that Yes, this agent is officially acting on my behalf with my explicit approval. This is a security measure to protect you from unauthorized persons or programs from accessing your private data. It has always worked this way, since the start of Internet email, including AOL's.

Thank you. Why all of a sudden do I need to give permission when I have been working with Thunderbird and AOl for a number of years? Rebecca

A new version of Thunderbird, a computer update, or any number of other factors may make AOL think this is a different machine. Also, most providers periodically require that you re-authorize and re-authenticate - their policy, which they can change at any time. It's for your security benefit.

What you should worry is how Thunderbird ( the program "Thunderbird.exe" not the Company ) could get your AOL emails, calendar, contacts without your permission. Don't you think ?

well I don't understand the last comment...???

well I don't understand the last comment...???

Ignore - it's wrong. See the TB Privacy Notice (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/privacy/thunderbird/) for what data is collected and what's done with it.