User Account Access Control via Trusted Contact Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing access to their online accounts and data after they stop using online services, particularly regarding account inheritance, data security, and maintenance, as existing solutions lack user-defined control mechanisms for triggering events such as inactivity or changes in user status.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allows users to define rules based on triggering events, specifying actions to be taken when these events occur, such as account inactivity or user status changes, enabling users to control access, transfer ownership, or delete accounts, with features like notification and authentication processes for trusted contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users share login information with another user to manage their accounts and data, then account management capability is improved, but security and privacy control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted contact as an intermediary who can access and manage the user's account and data without the user directly sharing login credentials. The trusted contact acts as a mediator between the user and the account management system, allowing the user to maintain security control while enabling account management capabilities through the intermediary's authorized access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users provide broad access to trusted contacts, then account management flexibility is improved, but risk of unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing users to grant different levels of access permissions to different trusted contacts and for different types of data. Instead of providing uniform broad access, the system enables fine-grained control where specific trusted contacts can access specific account aspects based on the user's defined preferences and the nature of the data, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making access permissions changeable and adjustable over time. Users can modify which trusted contacts have access to which data and under what conditions, allowing the access structure to adapt to changing circumstances. This dynamic permission system enables flexible account management while continuously maintaining security control as user needs and trust relationships evolve.
3Reliability
If users maintain strict control over their account access, then security is improved, but ability to transfer ownership or manage accounts after inactivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to pre-designate trusted contacts and define access preferences before account inactivity or ownership transfer is needed. Users can set up their trusted contact network and permission structures in advance, so that when inactivity occurs or transfer is needed, the system can automatically execute the predetermined access arrangements without compromising security. This preliminary setup enables seamless account transfer capability while maintaining strict security control throughout the process.
Data Source
AI summary
User content access management and control are described, including determining, based on a user-defined rule, that a triggering event has occurred, wherein the user-defined rule is associated with an account that belongs to the user, and the user-defined rule comprises an action to be performed based on a triggering event; and performing the action based on the triggering event, wherein the action affects access to the account.