Server Authentication Intermediary for Social Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Social networks typically require users to register before accessing content, limiting access to non-registered users while maintaining authentication security.
Innovation Solution
A system where a first server, upon authenticating a registered user, provides access to a social network using credentials of a second registered user, allowing access without revealing the first user's identity and enabling contribution tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users must register before accessing social network content, then authentication security is maintained, but access is limited to registered users only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third-party service provider as an intermediary that bridges unregistered users and the social network. The service provider authenticates unregistered users through alternative means (social media accounts, device identifiers) and then mediates their access to the social network on behalf of registered users, thereby maintaining security while enabling broader access
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is segmented into separate stages: first authentication with the service provider (using alternative credentials), then authentication with the social network using the registered user's credentials. This segmentation allows unregistered users to access the network through a different authentication path while maintaining the original security requirements
2Ease of operation
If unregistered users are allowed to access the social network, then access availability is improved, but authentication security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The service provider acts as a trusted intermediary that verifies the identity of unregistered users through alternative authentication mechanisms before allowing them to access the social network. This intermediary layer ensures that even though authentication methods are expanded, security is not compromised as the service provider validates each access request
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication with the service provider before allowing access to the social network. Unregistered users must first authenticate with the service provider using alternative credentials, and only after this preliminary verification is completed can they proceed to access the social network through the registered user's account
3Ease of operation
If the first user's identity is revealed to the social network, then contribution tracking is simplified, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The service provider serves as an intermediary that tracks contributions and relates them to the first user without directly revealing the user's identity to the social network. The service provider maintains the mapping between the first user and their contributions, allowing contribution tracking while preserving user privacy through the intermediary layer
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy or representation of the first user's identity that can be used for tracking purposes without revealing the actual user identity to the social network. The service provider maintains a mapping relationship that allows contributions to be attributed to the correct user while the social network only sees the intermediary's identifier
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a first server (101) for accessing a second server (102) via a computer network (100), adapted to upon successful authentication of first credentials of a first user (EU) registered on said first server (101) by said first server (101), provide said first user (EU) access to at least a subset of functions provided by an interface (API) of said second server (102) using second credentials of a second user (HU) registered on said second server (102) for authentication with said second server (102).