Data Tracking Interface for Transparent Online Data Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often lack insight and control over how their data is collected, used, and shared by online services, with existing data handling agreements being complex and difficult to understand, leading to uncertainty about data usage and limited ability to manage or delete personal data.
Innovation Solution
A device employs natural language processing (NLP) to extract data handling information from agreements, generating contextual data for presentation to users, allowing them to track and manage their data usage across multiple online services, including options for opting out and requesting data deletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If online services collect extensive data for service operation and improvement, then service quality is improved, but user privacy control and transparency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where users receive notifications and updates about their data collection and usage. The system continuously monitors data access events and provides real-time feedback to users through interfaces that display what data is being collected, by whom, and for what purpose, enabling informed consent and ongoing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the online service and the user that manages data access requests. This intermediary system evaluates data collection requests against user preferences and privacy settings, acting as a mediator that allows necessary data collection for service operation while protecting user privacy through automated policy enforcement.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex data handling agreements are used to define data usage terms, then data handling precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex data handling agreements into smaller, manageable components that are presented to users in a structured manner. Instead of requiring users to read and understand entire lengthy agreements, the system breaks down data usage terms into discrete categories and concepts that can be understood and consented to separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs natural language processing technology as an intermediary that translates complex legal and technical data handling terminology into plain, easily understandable language. This NLP-based translation layer maintains the precision of the original agreements while making them accessible to average users without requiring legal expertise.
3Manufacturing precision
If users are required to review full data handling agreements before consent, then data handling precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of data handling agreements using natural language processing to identify and extract key information, data categories, and usage purposes before presenting them to users. This preliminary processing creates a summarized overview that captures essential information without requiring users to read the full agreement text.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a tiered consent approach where users are first presented with a summarized overview of data handling practices and can provide initial consent based on this partial information. Users who want more detail can then access specific sections of the full agreement, rather than requiring complete review before any consent action.
4Productivity
If online services sell user data to third parties for monetization, then service productivity is improved, but user privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic consent management that allows users to adjust their data sharing preferences at any time. The system continuously adapts data sharing settings based on user choices, enabling monetization activities only within the boundaries of user-approved data usage. This dynamic approach balances productivity goals with evolving privacy protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides users with feedback mechanisms that notify them when their data is being accessed or shared with third parties. This feedback system includes information about which data is being used, by whom, and for what commercial purpose, allowing users to make informed decisions about data monetization and to revoke consent when desired.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a device obtains a data handling agreement associated with a subscription of a user to an online service. The device extracts data handling information for a type of data regarding the user from the data handling agreement by applying natural language processing to the data handling agreement. The device generates contextual data indicative of the type of data regarding the user being reported to the online service. The device provides the data handling information and the contextual data for presentation to the user.