Patent ID: 7761582
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G06F,G06Q,H04L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An information processing apparatus which includes a processor and a program running in a memory which processes information between a plurality of service providers and a terminal device connected via a network, wherein each of the plurality of service providers has a corresponding service provider device, the program performing a method comprising the steps of: receiving in the memory a request from one of the plurality of service provider devices to extract at least one piece of personal information of a user from a personal information unit running in the memory of the information processing apparatus; incrementing a counter running in the memory of the information processing apparatus which represents the number of requests made for the personal information of the user; transmitting a request for authorization to transmit the extracted personal information to the requesting service provider device when the number of requests exceeds a predetermined value; and transmitting the extracted personal information to the service provider device when the number of requests is less than a predetermined value or authorization to transmit the extracted personal information is received in the memory from the terminal device, wherein, the request includes information indicating the manner in which the service provider will use the personal information.