Secret User Account Privacy Control via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional social networking systems do not provide users with the option to access their functionality without being discoverable by other users, as user accounts are often made searchable, which can deter individuals from using the platform due to concerns about being found by others, such as bullies.
Innovation Solution
The creation and use of a 'secret account' on social networking systems that is not discoverable by other users unless the account holder initiates interaction, allowing for controlled visibility and interaction through specific settings and invitations, preventing unwanted discovery and enabling users to manage their privacy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user accounts are made searchable and visible to other users, then users can easily discover and connect with each other, but users may be discovered by unwanted individuals such as bullies, reducing their safety and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user accounts into two distinct types: public accounts and secret accounts. Each account type has different visibility and interaction properties. Public accounts are discoverable and can be searched, while secret accounts are not discoverable and cannot be searched. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate account type based on their privacy needs, resolving the contradiction between discoverability and protection from unwanted discovery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If secret accounts are completely invisible to other users, then user privacy and safety are enhanced, but users cannot initiate interactions or be discovered by legitimate connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows secret accounts to send preliminary actions in the form of invitations to interact with other users. Although secret accounts cannot be discovered through search or suggestions, they can proactively initiate connections by sending invitations. This preliminary action capability resolves the contradiction by allowing secret accounts to maintain privacy while still enabling legitimate interactions when the user chooses to initiate them.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides both public and secret account functionality, then user privacy control is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional account management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal invitation mechanism that works across both public and secret account types. The invitation system serves as a common interface for initiating interactions regardless of account type, reducing the need for separate management mechanisms. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced privacy control options while minimizing the increase in system complexity through shared infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described that enable a user to create and use a secret user account on a social networking system that is undiscoverable by other user accounts unless invited to interact by the secret account. In some cases, a social networking system receives a request to create a secret account, and creates the secret account. The social networking system may provide, in association with the secret account, account settings for the secret account that cause the social networking system to exclude the secret account from search results on the social networking system, and obscure activity by the secret account from a first user account. The social networking system may cause presentation of a control in a user interface associated with the secret account to invite a second user account to interact with the secret account.