In a networked environment, providing characterized on-line identities and matching credentials to individuals based on their profession, education, interests or experiences for use by independent third parties to provide tailored products and services

摘要

A system creates and distributes electronic credentials to members of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The credentials may be relied upon by independent on-line third party merchants having no prior relationship to the individuals issued the credentials, to identify and characterize those individuals based on membership in the SIG that issued those credentials. Merchants with which the SIG members repeatedly interact can use the credentials to identify and characterize the participating SIG members based on prior interactions as well as group membership. Using cryptography, the merchant party can identify and authenticate the individual presenting the credential as the original owner of the credential, and affirm that the presenting individual is affiliated with the SIG. Based on the individual's authenticated affiliation with the SIG, the merchant can accurately and reliably infer characteristics of the individual and tailor products and services accordingly.