Pseudonymous Browsing Mode Avatar Privacy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in controlling the amount of data shared with online services and desire customizable privacy settings that fall between open and incognito browsing modes, as existing solutions lack flexibility in managing data sharing levels for different websites and applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing a pseudonymous browsing mode using customizable avatars with different privacy settings, allowing users to control data sharing levels by creating avatars that can be configured for specific interactions, such as saving browsing history but not passwords, or allowing logins for trusted websites, enabling users to switch between levels of privacy based on user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users adopt open browsing mode to access online services, then ease of operation is improved, but user data privacy is compromised due to extensive data sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the browsing experience into distinct avatar-based profiles, each with customized privacy settings. Users can create multiple avatars with different data sharing preferences, allowing them to switch between open and private browsing modes as needed, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and data privacy protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts privacy settings based on the selected avatar profile. Users can switch between different avatars during browsing sessions, allowing the privacy level to be flexible and adaptable rather than fixed, enabling easy switching between open and private modes depending on the browsing context
2Object-affected harmful factors
If users adopt incognito browsing mode to protect privacy, then data privacy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct avatar segments with varying privacy levels. Instead of a single incognito mode, users have multiple avatar profiles including semi-private options that provide privacy protection while maintaining certain functionalities like cookie acceptance or browsing history saving, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining privacy
Solution Approach 2:
Different avatars provide different levels of privacy protection tailored to specific browsing needs. Users can apply localized privacy settings to specific avatars or browsing contexts, allowing incognito protection where needed while maintaining open functionality elsewhere, resolving the contradiction between privacy and ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If users create customizable avatars with different privacy settings, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the browsing system into modular avatar components that can be independently configured and managed. Each avatar is a self-contained profile with specific privacy settings, making the complexity manageable through clear segmentation rather than a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses avatar profiles as reusable templates that can be copied and applied across different browsing sessions and contexts. Once an avatar is created with specific privacy settings, it can be replicated and applied consistently, reducing the complexity of manually configuring privacy settings repeatedly
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are directed to computer-implemented systems and methods for providing a pseudonymous browsing mode. A method includes receiving, by a processor of a computer, input from a user requesting a level of anonymity for a session on an application or website, where the level of anonymity is between open browsing and completely incognito browsing. The processor programs an avatar configured to provide the level of anonymity to an identity of the user and data generated by the user based on the received input. The processor uses the avatar to control an amount of data shared by the user with the application or website to provide the level of anonymity to an identity of the user and data generated by the user.