Anonymizer Component for Network Privacy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network-based communications can reveal private or confidential information about users, making them vulnerable to identification and data mining, even when conventional security measures are in place.
Innovation Solution
An anonymizer component is employed to anonymize network interactions by removing or disguising identifying information, such as IP addresses, cookies, and search queries, and providing secure communication mechanisms to protect user identity and intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network-based communications are used, then information exchange and communication functionality are improved, but user privacy and security deteriorate due to exposure of IP addresses, cookies, and communication content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an anonymizer component as an intermediary between the user and the network communication system. This anonymizer strips identifying information such as IP addresses, cookies, and device identifiers from communications before they are transmitted, while still allowing the communication to proceed. The anonymizer acts as a mediator that preserves communication functionality while protecting user privacy by removing harmful identifying elements.
2Ease of operation
If identifying information such as IP addresses and cookies is transmitted, then communication functionality and service personalization are improved, but user identification and data mining vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively removing identifying information from specific parts of the communication data while preserving other non-identifying content. The anonymizer component targets specific fields such as IP addresses, cookies, and device identifiers for removal or obfuscation, while leaving the actual communication content intact. This selective approach maintains service functionality without compromising anonymity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If all identifying information is removed to maximize anonymity, then user privacy protection is improved, but communication functionality and service delivery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by removing only the necessary identifying information required for anonymity protection while leaving other communication elements intact. Rather than removing all data, the anonymizer selectively strips specific identifying fields such as IP addresses and cookies, allowing communication functionality to be maintained while achieving sufficient anonymity protection for the user's needs.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure pertains to anonymous network interaction. More specifically, mechanisms are provided to ensure anonymity with respect network interaction such that third parties are unable to determine the source and/or intent of communications. Accordingly, entities can anonymize all outgoing and/or incoming data packets so as to mitigate outside entities from learning about information being sought and/or provided. For example, a user or corporation can employ an anonymizer with respect to web searching so that outside entities are not able to determine what information is attempted to be accessed and by whom.