Referrer-Based Contact Data Privacy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require information sources to access and disclose contact data to send information to recipients, which can lead to unwanted contact from organizations, and lack efficient targeting and personalization of advertisements to specific audiences.
Innovation Solution
A method where information sources use referrers with access to contact databases to transmit information without revealing contact data, employing referral networks and personalized communication through devices like mobile phones, allowing for customized and relevant information sharing with incentives for referrers and contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information sources directly access contact data to send information to recipients, then information delivery is achieved, but contact data privacy is compromised and recipients may receive unwanted contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a referrer as an intermediary who bridges the information source and the contact. The referrer receives information from the information source and forwards it to the contact without the information source ever obtaining the contact's personal data. This mediator approach allows information delivery while protecting contact data privacy, as the referrer controls the flow of information without exposing sensitive contact details to the information source.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If referrers transmit information to contacts without disclosing contact data, then contact data privacy is protected, but information source cannot verify recipient identity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information flow into distinct components: the information source provides content, the referrer manages contact data and transmission, and the contact receives information. Each entity operates with only the information necessary for their specific function. The referrer holds the contact data securely while the information source only interacts with the referrer, creating isolated information zones that protect privacy while enabling verification through the referrer's endorsement.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional advertising methods are used without referral networks, then information source can reach wide audience, but information is treated as spam and engagement is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the referrer, being a trusted contact of the recipient, endorses the information before it reaches the contact. This personal endorsement feedback loop transforms cold advertising into warm referrals. The referrer's involvement creates a feedback signal of trust and relevance that prevents the information from being perceived as spam, while the referral network structure enables scaling to wide audiences through multiple referrers.
Data Source
AI summary
An information source, such as an advertiser or product vendor, transfers information to contacts for which the information source has no contact data. The information source stores information in an information database which communicates the information to a referrer which has the desired contact data. The referrer uses a communication device to transfer the information to one or more contacts using contact data.