Data Proxy Layer for Privacy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in maintaining control over the distribution and use of personal and confidential data on computers and mobile devices, as applications often request access to sensitive information, and denying access can result in reduced functionality or app shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A data proxy layer is introduced between applications and device data, allowing users to specify whether to grant, deny, or provide proxy data, which is indistinguishable from real data but with modified values, ensuring privacy and security while maintaining app functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications request access to device data, then application functionality is improved, but user data privacy and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data proxy layer as an intermediary component between applications and device data. This proxy layer intercepts data requests from applications, allows users to specify access preferences, and provides either actual device data or synthesized proxy data accordingly. The intermediary structure enables applications to function with data access while preventing direct exposure of sensitive device data, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates proxy data that replicates the structure, format, and appearance of actual device data without containing the real sensitive information. This copied data structure allows applications to process information as if accessing real data, maintaining functionality while the actual device data remains protected. The proxy data serves as a safe substitute that preserves application operation without compromising user privacy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If users deny data access to applications, then data privacy is improved, but application functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
When users deny data access, the system generates proxy data that copies the essential structure and format of the requested device data. This allows applications to continue functioning with synthesized data that appears authentic but contains no sensitive information. The copying mechanism ensures applications maintain operational capability while users retain control over their actual data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter state of data by transforming actual device data into proxy data with modified characteristics. The proxy data maintains structural parameters (format, schema, data types) while changing content parameters (actual values, sensitive information). This parameter transformation enables applications to process data with expected characteristics while the underlying sensitive data remains protected through user-denied access.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a data proxy layer is introduced, then data control and privacy are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data proxy layer is designed as a universal intermediary that handles multiple types of data requests (contact information, photos, location data, messages) through a single unified mechanism. By providing multi-functional support for various data types and application scenarios, the system achieves comprehensive data control without proportionally increasing complexity. The proxy layer serves multiple purposes: intercepting requests, user preference management, proxy data generation, and application data provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary data proxy layer consolidates multiple control functions in a single architectural component, reducing the need for separate complex control mechanisms for each data type or application. This centralized intermediary approach manages user preferences, generates proxy data, and handles requests across different data categories through unified processes, thereby limiting the overall system complexity increase while achieving comprehensive data control.
Data Source
AI summary
Users are provided with improved control over important business, personal, and other confidential data that is stored on computing devices by providing proxy data that may be provided in lieu of actual device data. In certain implementations, when an application installed on a computing device requests access to the data stored on the computing device, the user is presented with three options. The user can grant the request, deny the request, or fulfill the request using proxy data. In various implementations, proxy data has a format and structure compatible with the requested device data, but contains different values. Additional implementations are described that allow a user to use proxy data for part of a data set, or for portions of particular records within a data set.