METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SECURING USER IDENTITIES AND CREATING VIRTUAL USERS TO ENHANCE PRIVACY ON A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

• US 20090024636A1
• Filed: 07/24/2008
• Published: 01/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dekel Shiloh
• Original Assignee: Dekel Shiloh
• Inventors: Shiloh, Dekel
• Granted Patent: US 8,112,405 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6254 by anonymising data, e.g. decorrelating personal data from the owner's identification
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/383 Anonymous user system
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/405 Establishing or using transaction specific rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0421 Anonymous communication, i.e. the party's identifiers are hidden from the other party or parties, e.g. using an anonymizer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources

Abstract

A method of enabling a real entity to access a service on a communication network using a virtual entity, the method including the steps of establishing a user account including at least first data corresponding to the identity of the real entity and second data corresponding to the virtual entity and not identifying the real entity, storing the first and second data in a first database, linking between the first and second data in the first database, storing the second data at a second database, associating the second database with a communication network site, connecting the communication network site to the communication network, receiving the second data from an unidentified user on the communication network site, identifying the unidentified user as the virtual entity based on receiving the second data, and allowing the virtual entity to access the service.

Claims

1. A method of enabling a real entity to access a service on a communication network using a virtual entity, the method comprising the steps of:

establishing a user account including at least;

first data corresponding to the identity of the real entity; and

second data corresponding to the virtual entity and not identifying said real entity;

storing said first and second data in a first database;

linking between said first and second data in said first database;

storing said second data at a second database;

associating said second database with a communication network site;

connecting said communication network site to said communication network;

receiving said second data from an unidentified user on the communication network site;

identifying said unidentified user as said virtual user based on receiving said second data; and

allowing said virtual entity to access said service.

2. A method according to claim 1, comprising the step of preventing access from said communication network site to said first database.

3. A method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

receiving from said virtual user information corresponding to an attribute of said virtual entity; and

adding said information to said second database.

4. A method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

receiving funds of substantially non-traceable source from said real entity;

allocating at least a portion of said funds to a virtual transaction account; and

assigning said virtual transaction account to said virtual entity.

5. A method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

receiving credible billing information from said real entity;

establishing a virtual transaction account; and

assigning said virtual transaction account to said virtual entity.

6. A virtual entity residing on a communication network site and adapted to interact on a communication network on behalf of a real entity, the virtual entity comprising:

a memory having stored therein information defining the virtual entity, which information includes a unique user name, a password and information corresponding to a visual representation of the virtual entity; and

a virtual user interface adapted to communicate with said communication network from said communication network site,

wherein said virtual entity is not linkable, on said communication network, to the identity of said real entity.

7. A virtual entity according to claim 6 further comprising:

a virtual transaction account which enables the virtual entity to transact on said communication network.