Tokenized Encryption System for Networked Anonymity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users interacting with networked software platforms face challenges in maintaining privacy, as existing technologies often thwart anonymity by tracking user actions through identifiers like user IDs, device IDs, and IP addresses, leading to the collection and analysis of sensitive information without consent.
Innovation Solution
A system and method are implemented to generate a unique user ID from a device ID, ensuring anonymity by hashing or encrypting the device ID, and using this unique ID for information gathering on platforms like social media, video games, or health-related applications, while conforming to privacy regulations such as HIPPA for health data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If device identifiers (UUID, IMEI, IP address) are used to track user actions and collect behavioral data, then the platform can gather usage statistics and enable targeted advertisements, but user anonymity and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary token system where device identifiers are replaced with anonymous tokens that serve as mediators between the user device and the platform's data collection systems. These tokens allow behavioral data to be associated with usage patterns without revealing actual device identities, thus enabling data collection while preserving user anonymity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the identifying elements (device identifiers) from the behavioral data collection process. By removing PII (personally identifiable information) and device identifiers from the data stream and replacing them with anonymous tokens, the system enables data analytics while eliminating privacy risks associated with direct identification.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aliases and fictitious information are used to conceal private information, then user anonymity is partially preserved, but the hosting service can still track user actions through identifiers like user ID, device ID, and IP address
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct identifiers with intermediary tokens that act as anonymous proxies. These tokens are assigned to devices and used in all communications with the platform, serving as mediators that prevent direct tracking of user identity while enabling functional operations. This intermediary layer ensures that even if data is collected, it cannot be reliably traced back to specific users.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to protect identifiers directly, the patent inverts the approach by systematically removing and replacing all identifying information with anonymous tokens. The system is designed to work without any direct identifiers, flipping the conventional model where identifiers are central to tracking.
3Ease of operation
If device identifiers are used to provide interconnectivity and route signals through the network, then network functionality is enabled, but detailed information about users and devices is exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anonymous tokens as intermediaries in network communications. These tokens replace device identifiers in all network packets and communications, enabling routing and interconnectivity functions while preventing exposure of actual device and user information. The tokens serve as functional proxies that maintain network operations without revealing sensitive data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates anonymous token copies that replicate the functional role of device identifiers without containing any identifying information. These token copies are distributed to devices and used in place of original identifiers, providing the necessary functionality for network communication while eliminating the harmful information exposure associated with using real device identifiers.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing privacy to a user of a user device that is used for interacting with a networked software platform. A server computer coupled to the user device receives a hashed device ID of the device and generates a unique user ID in the form of a unique number. The user ID can be used by the server and other entities to gather information related to the activities of the user with respect to the networked software platform, which can be, for example, a video game platform, a social media platform, or a health-related diagnostic tool. The identity of the user remains anonymous during the information gathering procedures because neither the device ID nor the identity of the user is transmitted over the network when the user is participating in activities of the networked software platform.