Cookie Description File Parsing for User Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users lack transparency and control over cookies stored on their devices, as conventional browsers do not provide human-readable information about cookie purposes, making it difficult for users to make informed decisions about which cookies to accept or block.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that processes a cookie description file, which includes meta-information about each cookie, allowing users to view this information in a readable format and take actions based on it, enabling informed decisions about cookie storage and blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional browsers are used to manage cookies, then users can configure rules to accept or block cookies based on domain and path attributes, but users lack transparency about the purpose of cookies making informed decisions difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments cookie information into distinct components: basic cookie attributes (domain, path, name) and purpose information (human-readable descriptions). This segmentation allows the browser to present organized, categorized cookie data to users, making it easier to understand and manage different types of cookies based on their purposes rather than just technical attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the enhanced browser interface and cookie description files) that translates opaque cookie data into human-readable purpose information. This intermediary processes the raw cookie attributes and presents them in a user-friendly format with descriptions of what each cookie does, enabling users to make informed decisions without directly interpreting technical cookie parameters.
2Reliability
If cookie name-value pairs are used to store state information, then cookies can function effectively for tracking and session management, but the name often contains opaque strings of text that are not human-readable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy or representation of the original cookie data in a human-readable format. Instead of modifying the actual cookie name-value pairs that must remain opaque for technical reasons, the system generates and displays descriptive copies that explain the purpose and function of each cookie. This allows users to understand cookie purposes without interfering with the technical functionality of the original cookies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that sits between the opaque cookie data and the user. This intermediary (the browser's cookie management interface) translates and presents human-readable descriptions of cookie purposes while leaving the actual cookie name-value pairs unchanged, thus maintaining both functionality and transparency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users configure browser rules to block cookies from specific domains, then users can control which websites store cookies, but users cannot make informed decisions without transparent information about cookie purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments cookie information into technical attributes (for automated rule-based filtering) and purpose descriptions (for user understanding). This segmentation enables users to both configure automated blocking rules based on domain and path, and simultaneously review human-readable purpose information to make informed decisions about which cookies to allow or block.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing users with purpose information about cookies that are subject to their blocking rules. When users configure cookie management settings, the system feeds back human-readable descriptions of what each cookie does, enabling users to adjust their rules based on understood purposes rather than just domain names, thus creating an informed feedback loop in the cookie management process.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a computer-implemented method for processing a cookie description file are provided. A browser provides the cookie description file that includes meta-information associated with cookies that are associated with a domain. The meta-information includes cookie information specific to each cookie. The cookie description file is parsed and the meta-information associated with each cookie is extracted. The parsed meta-information is displayed in a user-readable format on a client device.