Dynamic De-Identifiers for Contextual Data Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively balance data privacy and security with the need for personalized services and research, as static identifiers can be easily tracked and lead to re-identification, compromising anonymity and security.
Innovation Solution
The use of dynamically changing identifiers (DDIDs) that are temporally unique and re-assignable, allowing data subjects to maintain anonymity by changing identifiers over time, making it difficult for third parties to retain and aggregate data associated with them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static identifiers are used for data tracking and personalized services, then service personalization and data aggregation are improved, but data privacy and security deteriorate due to easy re-identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static identifiers to dynamic identifiers that change over time. The system generates temporary identifiers (TDIDs) that are valid only for specific time periods and purposes, making tracking and re-identification difficult while still enabling personalized services through controlled data association within the dynamic framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal and contextual dimensions to identifier usage. Instead of single persistent identifiers, the system uses identifiers with time validity periods, purpose limitations, and contextual scopes, adding dimensions of time, purpose, and context to the identifier space to prevent simple aggregation and re-identification
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic identifiers are used to protect anonymity, then data privacy is improved, but data aggregation and personalized service capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data and identifiers into isolated units with limited connectivity. Each temporary identifier and its associated data form isolated segments that cannot be easily combined with other segments, preventing aggregation while maintaining individual data utility for authorized purposes through controlled segment association rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediaries (trusted third parties, data brokers with controlled access) that facilitate data association and personalized service delivery without exposing direct identifier links. These intermediaries act as mediators that enable data utility while preserving anonymity through controlled information disclosure and purpose-limited data sharing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If identifiers are frequently changed to maintain anonymity, then re-identification resistance is improved, but system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic identifier changes with defined validity periods. Identifiers are generated, activated, and deactivated in regular cycles or upon purpose completion, creating a structured rhythm to identifier usage that reduces arbitrary complexity while maintaining anonymity through time-bounded validity periods and systematic renewal processes
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, computer-readable media, and computer-implemented methods of providing improved data privacy, anonymity, and security by enabling subjects to which data pertains to remain “dynamically anonymous,” i.e., anonymous for as long as is desired—and to the extent that is desired—are disclosed herein. This concept is also referred to herein as Just-In-Time-Identity, or “JITI.” Embodiments include systems that create, access, use, store and/or erase data with increased privacy, anonymity and security—thereby facilitating the availability of more qualified information—via the use of temporally unique, dynamically changing de-identifiers (“DDIDs”). In some embodiments, specialized JITI keys may be used to “unlock” different views of the same DDID (or its underlying value), thereby providing granular control over the level of detail or obfuscation visible to each user based on the context of said user's authorized use of data, e.g., authorized purpose(s), place(s), time(s), or other attributes of the use.