Caller Anonymity via Non-Invertible Identification Token
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing 'hidden' calls, where the caller's identity is not disclosed to the recipient, are either complex, require subscription services, or violate call secrecy, making it difficult for users to identify callers while maintaining anonymity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of a non-invertible issuer identification token, which is transmitted with the call, allowing the recipient to determine if the caller is known with a certain probability without revealing their identity, using a one-way function and a seed that changes with each call to ensure security and anonymity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the caller's identity is hidden using CLIR service, then the caller's anonymity is protected, but the recipient cannot identify the caller even if they know each other
Solution Approach 1:
The caller's identity information is segmented into two parts: a visible identification token that can be shared with the recipient, and a hidden identifier that remains protected. The token represents or corresponds to the caller's identity without directly exposing the sensitive identifier, allowing the recipient to verify the caller's identity through the token while the actual identifier remains concealed.
Solution Approach 2:
An identification token acts as an intermediary between the caller's hidden identifier and the recipient's need for identification. The token can be shared with the recipient to enable verification, while the original identifier remains protected. The system may also use a verification server as an intermediary to validate tokens without exposing the underlying identifier.
2Loss of information
If a verification service is subscribed to allow caller identification, then the recipient can identify known callers, but the service requires complex subscription and prior dialogue
Solution Approach 1:
The caller automatically generates and transmits their own identification token without requiring subscription to a verification service or prior dialogue. The token is created from the caller's identifier using a one-way function, and the recipient can independently verify the token against their stored tokens, eliminating the need for complex service subscriptions or interactive verification.
3Loss of information
If the caller's number is encrypted and sent to the called party, then the caller's identity can be revealed with permission, but the solution requires saving encrypted numbers in directory and complex implementation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of encrypting and storing the complete caller's number in the recipient's directory, the system extracts only the necessary identification token that can be verified independently. The token is derived from the caller's identifier but does not require storing the original sensitive information, simplifying the implementation while maintaining security and identification capabilities.
4Loss of information
If a termination service with vocal dialogue is used, then the recipient can verify caller identity, but it requires voluntary subscription and is complex for people with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The identification token is generated and attached to the call signal in advance, before the call is established. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-call verification through vocal dialogue or complex interactive services. The recipient can immediately verify the caller's identity by checking the pre-generated token against their stored tokens, making the process simple and accessible to all users regardless of physical or cognitive abilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting a call from a sender to a receiver, in which the identity of said sender is masked from said receiver, referred to as a masked call. According to the invention, such a method implements the following steps: - generation (21) of a non-reversible token identifying said sender, and an identifier of said sender; and - transmission (22) to said receiver of said masked call and said identification token.