Privacy-Preserving Referral Network via Intermediary Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing social networks compromise user privacy by sharing detailed network connections, leading to reduced participation in referrals due to privacy concerns when connecting seeker entities with target entities.
Innovation Solution
A network server system with modules for requirement reception, group identification, multiple network querying, connected member identification, message communication, referral consent, and entity connection, which maintains user privacy by accessing and processing user information across multiple networks without revealing sensitive connection data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seeker entity directly searches and views detailed network connections of group members to find target entities, then the connection capability is improved, but the privacy of group members is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the referral platform) that mediates between the seeker entity and group members. The system performs anonymous matching by comparing the seeker's requirements with group members' network data without revealing actual connection details. The intermediary processes and anonymizes data, allowing connection capability to improve while privacy is preserved through the mediation layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates anonymized copies of network connection data for matching purposes. Instead of exposing real connection information, the system generates synthetic representations that preserve structural relationships (who is connected to whom) without revealing identities. These copied and anonymized data structures enable searching and matching while the original private information remains protected.
2Measurement precision
If group members share their detailed network connections data, then the referral accuracy is improved, but the privacy concern increases leading to reduced participation
Solution Approach 1:
The platform acts as an intermediary that collects network data from group members, processes it through anonymization algorithms, and uses it for accurate matching without exposing the data to the seeker entity. The intermediary maintains the connection between data quality (for accuracy) and privacy protection, allowing high referral accuracy while eliminating privacy concerns that would otherwise reduce participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the parameters of network data by changing from identifiable information to anonymized structural representations. The system modifies data parameters such as removing personal identifiers while preserving network topology and relationship patterns. This parameter transformation maintains the utility of data for accurate referrals while eliminating the harmful privacy aspect.
3Reliability
If the seeker entity performs multiple searches within group members' networks to find matching target entities, then the connection quality is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-processing and indexing group members' network data before actual referral requests. The system performs preliminary anonymization, structuring, and organization of network data so that when a seeker entity submits a request, the matching process can quickly retrieve and compare pre-processed information. This eliminates the need for time-consuming multiple searches while maintaining connection quality through thorough pre-analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting a seeker group member to one or more target entities through a network server is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) receiving a requirement from the seeker group member, (b) obtaining a group associated with the seeker group member, (c) obtaining a list of group members associated with the group, (d) querying contacts of the group members based on the requirement to obtain one or more matching target entities, (e) identifying one or more connected members who are already connected to the one or more matching target entities, (f) communicating a search result to each of the one or more connected members, (g) receiving a response selected from an acceptance or a rejection, (h) communicating referrals from the one or more connected members to the seeker group member, and (i) communicating introductory messages for connecting the matching target entities and the seeker group member through the connected members.