Distributed Data Access and Deletion System

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Solution Overview

Problem

In distributed computing systems, accessing and deleting user data across multiple autonomous services is complex due to differences in data storage and processing formats, making it difficult for central systems to manage user requests efficiently, especially under regulatory requirements like GDPR and CCPA.

Innovation Solution

A distributed service provider system employs a front-end tool accessible by users for data access and deletion requests, using asynchronous API-based messaging to interact with multiple service systems, and generates prioritized security questions for identity verification, allowing users to manage their data without establishing an account.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If distributed services store user data autonomously with different formats and processing methods, then service independence and flexibility are improved, but data access and deletion management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice independenceVSAvoiddata access management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized data access and deletion system that acts as an intermediary between users and distributed services. This system receives user requests, translates them into service-specific operations, and coordinates with multiple autonomous services that store data in different formats. The intermediary approach maintains service independence while providing unified data management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The data access and deletion system implements universal interfaces that work across multiple service types and data formats. It provides a single point of contact for users to access and delete data regardless of which service stores the data, and in what format. This multi-functional approach handles diverse service architectures through a unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If each service processes data differently, then service autonomy is improved, but user data deletion consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice autonomyVSAvoiddata deletion consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where services report back the status of data deletion operations to the centralized system. The centralized system tracks and verifies that deletion requests are properly executed across all services, ensuring consistent outcomes. Services maintain autonomy in their processing but provide feedback to ensure reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized system performs preliminary actions by identifying all services that may store user data before deletion is executed. It prepares a comprehensive deletion plan that accounts for different service architectures and data formats, ensuring that all relevant data is targeted for deletion before the actual deletion process begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If centralized systems need to track user data across all services, then data access capability is improved, but system complexity and computational overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata tracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and processes only the essential information needed for data tracking and deletion, rather than duplicating or storing all user data centrally. It extracts service identifiers, data location metadata, and deletion status information, maintaining tracking capability while minimizing the complexity of centralized data storage and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If user authentication and account establishment are required for data access, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where users can directly access and delete their data through automated identity verification processes. The system automatically verifies user identity through available data without requiring manual account setup or complex authentication protocols, providing both security and ease of operation through automated self-service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240061954A1Systems and methods for data access and deletion in distributed service systems
Publication Date: 2024.02.22 STRIPE LLC
  • US20240061954A1 patent drawing
  • US20240061954A1 patent drawing
  • US20240061954A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for a distributed service provider system providing access to, and deletion of, user data are described. The method may include receiving a request from a user system to access the user data stored at the distributed service provider system, the request including a user identifier. The method may further include generating and transmitting a plurality of service system request messages that each request a service system to determine whether the service system stores user data. The method may also include receiving a response message from each service system indicating whether said each service system has user data stored within the data store managed by said each service system. Furthermore, the method can include generating a link for rendering at the user system a graphical user interface that provides information corresponding to the user data stored at the distributed service provider system, and transmitting the link to the user system.