Anonymous Data Sharing via Encryption Tokens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data sharing techniques often compromise user anonymity, require detailed information exchange, or involve non-trivial setup processes, making them inconvenient for secure and anonymous data exchange between multiple users.
Innovation Solution
The use of tokens that encode an identifier and encryption key allows users to upload and access shared data anonymously, maintaining user anonymity by using these tokens to encrypt and decrypt data without revealing identities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional data exchange techniques (email, FTP, portable media) are used, then data can be shared between users, but user anonymity is compromised or detailed information exchange is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tokens as an intermediary mechanism that enables anonymous data exchange. Tokens contain encrypted identifiers and encryption keys that allow users to upload and retrieve data without revealing their identities. The token acts as a mediator between the user and the data storage system, preserving anonymity while enabling convenient data access through simple token presentation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional data exchange techniques are used, then data can be shared, but setup effort is required in advance of the exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating tokens with embedded encryption keys and identifiers before data exchange occurs. Users receive tokens in advance that are ready to use immediately, eliminating the need for setup efforts during the actual data exchange process. The token generation and distribution happen beforehand, allowing users to simply present the token for data access without any additional configuration.
3Loss of information
If tokens with encryption keys are used for anonymous data sharing, then user anonymity is maintained and setup is minimized, but system complexity increases due to encryption and token management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex encryption and decryption operations from the user side and concentrates them on the server side. Users only need to present tokens without understanding or managing the encryption keys. The server handles all cryptographic operations, including encrypting data with tokens' keys and decrypting data when tokens are presented. This extraction of complexity resolves the contradiction by maintaining anonymity through encryption while keeping the user interface simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for sharing data between users in a manner that maintains anonymity of the users. Tokens are generated and provided to users for sharing data. A token comprises information encoding an identifier and an encryption key. A user may use a token to upload data that is to be shared. The data to be shared is encrypted using the encryption key associated with the token and the encrypted data is stored such that it can be accessed using the identifier associated with the token. A user may then use a token to access the shared data. The identifier associated with the token being used to access the shared data is used to access the data and the encryption key associated with the token is used to decrypt the data. Data is shared anonymously without revealing the identity of the users using the tokens.