Cookie-less Namespace Enforcement via Domain Suffix Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cookies raise privacy concerns as they can be used to track users across multiple sites and allow unauthorized access if stolen, and existing solutions like dedicated domain names for cookie-less resources lack technical restrictions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cookie-less namespace by determining if a cookie set request originates from a domain within a designated cookie-less namespace, such as '.anon' or '.nocookies.com', and ignoring or blocking such requests to prevent cookie setting and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If cookies are used to store state information and track users across sites, then user tracking capability and web service functionality are improved, but privacy concerns and security risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the web domain space into cookie-enabled namespaces and cookie-less namespaces. By introducing a special top-level domain suffix (e.g., '.anon') that designates cookie-less namespaces, the system divides the traditional monolithic cookie namespace into distinct segments with different cookie policies. This allows users to access services in cookie-less namespaces without tracking while maintaining tracking capability in regular namespaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dedicated domain names are used for cookie-less resources, then cookie setting is prevented, but technical restrictions and enforcement mechanisms are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a browser plugin or extension that acts as a mediator between the web server and the browser's cookie management system. This intermediary monitors incoming Set-Cookie headers, determines whether the current namespace is designated as cookie-less based on the domain suffix, and selectively blocks cookie setting requests. This provides reliable technical enforcement of the cookie-less policy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cookies are allowed across all domains, then web service functionality and state management are improved, but unauthorized access and security risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making cookie policy enforcement domain-specific rather than global. Each namespace can independently choose whether to allow cookies based on its top-level domain suffix. Services in '.anon' namespaces automatically receive cookie-less protection, while services in regular domains maintain full cookie functionality. This localized approach allows each service to optimize its security and functionality independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, for receiving a request to set a first cookie from a first server. A first domain name associated with the first cookie is determined. The first domain name includes a first top-level domain and a first sub-domain. Based in part on the first top-level domain name, it is determined if a cookie is allowed to be set.