Privacy Protocol Server for Automated Contact Data Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for updating personal contact information on electronic communications devices are often manual, time-consuming, and fail to respect user privacy protocols, particularly for sensitive information like wireless phone numbers and email addresses.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically updating contact information databases on electronic communications devices, utilizing a manager server that applies user-defined privacy protocols, requesting permission via email or SMS before sharing sensitive data, ensuring that only approved information is shared.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated contact information updating is implemented, then productivity and accuracy of contact database maintenance is improved, but user privacy and security concerns worsen due to potential unauthorized sharing of sensitive information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between contact information requesters and data owners. The server acts as a mediator that receives update requests, checks privacy protocols, obtains necessary permissions, and then provides the requested information. This intermediary structure enables automated updating while protecting user privacy by controlling the flow of sensitive information through a trusted third party that enforces privacy rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing privacy protocols and permission settings for each contact information element before any automated updating occurs. Users configure their privacy preferences in advance, specifying which information can be shared, with whom, and under what conditions. These pre-configured protocols are then automatically applied during the updating process, enabling efficient automated updates without real-time privacy concerns.
2Ease of operation
If manual contact information updating is used, then user privacy control is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling users to pre-configure their own privacy protocols and permission settings through an intuitive interface. Users independently define which contact information can be shared, with whom, and under what conditions. Once configured, the system automatically applies these settings during updating operations, eliminating the need for manual intervention in each update while maintaining user privacy control. This self-service approach empowers users to manage their own data sharing preferences efficiently.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive contact information is collected and stored, then database completeness and usefulness are improved, but the risk of privacy violations and security breaches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated privacy protocols for different types of contact information. Instead of treating all contact data uniformly, the system allows users to specify distinct sharing rules for different information elements (e.g., phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses). Each data element can have its own privacy settings, enabling comprehensive data collection while applying appropriate security measures locally to each sensitive element based on its specific privacy requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically updating personal consumer and business contact information is disclosed. A server located “in the cloud” automatically controls a database of contact data elements, some of which have preferred privacy protocol. These protocols may restrict some data elements from being shared unless a data-owner's explicit permission is obtained. When the server receives a request for such a restricted data element, the server issues an email or text message in order to obtain the necessary permissions. If permission is granted, the server then supplies the requested data.