Authorization and authentication based on an individual's social network
US8291477B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 26, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/60
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An individual's social network is used to authorize information flow to the individual and to authenticate the individual for access to certain information or services. Information flow to the individual is authorized if the source of the information is a member of the individual's social network who is connected to the individual along a path that does not traverse through anyone on a gray list of the individual. The black list identifies those members who previously sent unwanted communication to the individual or posted content that was deemed offensive by the individual. The gray list identifies those members who are one degree separated from any black list member. The individual is authenticated for access to certain information or services if a member of the individual's social network already has access and this member is connected to the individual along a path that does not traverse through anyone on a gray list of the individual, or if members of the individual's social network who are connected to the individual along a path that does not traverse through anyone on a gray list of the individual have an average authentication rating that is at least a minimum value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.