Pseudo-anonymous Sharing Links with Endpoint Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sharing links lack effective tracking and control, with anonymous links providing minimal control for sharers and specific links requiring user understanding of settings, while also being cumbersome for forwarding and workflows.
Innovation Solution
A pseudo-anonymous sharing link system that requires endpoint verification, allowing any user to access the content upon proving control of a communication endpoint, such as an email address, and tracks access for improved visibility and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If anonymous sharing links are used, then ease of use is improved, but tracking and control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that mediates between anonymous access and tracking requirements. The system uses a verification code sent to the recipient's communication endpoint as an intermediary step that enables tracking without compromising the simplicity of link sharing. This resolves the contradiction by adding a middle layer that captures recipient information while maintaining the anonymous link structure.
2Loss of information
If specific permission links are used, then control capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex permission management settings from the sharing link itself and replaces them with a simple verification code mechanism. Instead of requiring users to understand and configure detailed permission settings, the system extracts only the essential control element (verification code) that enables tracking while maintaining ease of use. This resolves the contradiction by removing unnecessary complexity while preserving essential control.
3Loss of information
If specific permission links are used, then control capability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sharing mechanism into two independent components: the sharing link itself (which can be freely forwarded) and the verification code (which is generated per recipient). This segmentation allows the link to be adapted and forwarded freely while the verification code provides the necessary control. Each component can operate independently, resolving the contradiction between control and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system configured to provide access to electronic content is provided. The computing system includes a processor and memory coupled to the processor containing instructions that when executed provide a user interface component and a link generation component. A data store is coupled to the processor and configured to store the electronic content. The user interface component is configured to receive user input requesting creation of a sharing link relative to selected electronic content stored in the data store. The user interface component is further configured to receive an indication that endpoint verification will be required for the sharing link. The link generation component is configured to responsively generate and provide a pseudo-anonymous sharing link relative to the selected electronic content.