Software Component Analysis for Ad Network Privacy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face difficulties in determining and controlling the behaviors of software components, particularly ad networks, which collect personal and device-specific data, leading to unwanted advertisements and privacy concerns, as these behaviors are often not transparent and cannot be easily opted out of on a per-component basis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that analyze software components on mobile devices, identify their behaviors, and allow users to express their intent regarding these behaviors, enabling the user to opt out of specific behaviors or components, by communicating with a messaging server and application marketplace, and storing user preferences to enforce behavioral policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ad networks are integrated into applications to provide targeted advertisements, then advertising effectiveness and profitability are improved, but user privacy and device transparency deteriorate due to data collection and hidden component behaviors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application into distinct components, separating the ad network component from the main application functionality. This allows independent analysis and control of the ad network's data collection and advertising behaviors, enabling users to understand and manage privacy implications while maintaining advertising functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system analyzes component behaviors, identifies ad network activities, and provides this information back to users through a user interface. Users can then express preferences about ad network behaviors, creating a closed-loop system that balances advertising effectiveness with user privacy control.
2Measurement precision
If ad networks collect device-specific information for targeted advertising, then advertising targeting capability is improved, but device transparency and user control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis system that sits between the ad network component and the user. This intermediary analyzes the ad network's data collection and targeting activities, translating complex technical behaviors into understandable information for users, thereby maintaining targeting capability while improving user control and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to self-manage their preferences regarding ad network behaviors through an intuitive interface. Users can independently control which ad network activities are permitted, creating a self-service mechanism that simplifies user control without compromising advertising targeting capability.
3Productivity
If multiple ad networks are integrated into applications, then advertising revenue and functionality are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the analysis and management functions for multiple ad network components into a unified system. Instead of treating each ad network separately, the system consolidates their analysis, behavior identification, and user preference management, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple ad networks for revenue generation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Detection, identification, and control of application behavior dealing with malware, security risks, data privacy, or resource usage can be difficult in an era of complex, composite software applications composed of multiple components. Software applications are analyzed to determine their components and to identify the behaviors associated with each of the components. Components can also be analyzed with respect to similarity of previously known components. Behaviors can include use of personal identifying information or device information, or any actions that can be taken by applications on the device, including user interface displays, notifications, network communications, and file reading or writing actions. Policies to control or restrict the behavior of applications and their components may be defined and applied. In one embodiment this can include the identification of advertising networks and defining policies to permit various opt-out actions for these advertising networks.