The present invention is a method to control communication channels using universal and persistent identifiers in circuit /
packet switched or converged networks. The method involves linking domain specific addresses or concrete identifiers of communication end points within or across channels, domains and networks with an abstract, persistent and
universal identifier that represents the
single point of contact or principal identity of the user. The principal identity can specify parameters of inbound /
outbound communication relationships with other specified / unspecified users / entities inter-alia through default / specific levels of control in communication relationships on / across / through normal or alternate channels, domains, applications, networks, etc., based on universal / persistent identifiers such as XRI. All transactions originating from, or terminating on, the principal identity are authenticated, asserted securely and routed automatically to an appropriate channel based on the principal identity's current context (state, location, presence, etc.) and privileges (or contracts) defined in rules created by the principal identity for access, usage, privacy, synchronization, compliance, expiry, etc. The principal identity is also empowered with multi-level control over attributes and
metadata including rules for what data to
expose / share and what data to
eclipse / hide for which user. Control / user data, or traffic, and program /
client / sequence logic, may be resident / executed / exchanged / carried on, or across, diverse networks / channels / media / devices / domains etc.