Patent ID: 9083693
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for managing private information in instant messaging, comprising: storing first private information, wherein the first private information comprises details of a first instant messaging user; maintaining access authority of the first private information; determining whether a second instant messaging user initiating a private information request has the access authority; and providing the first private information to the second instant messaging user when the second instant messaging user has the access authority; wherein maintaining the access authority of the first private information comprises: receiving a share command from the first instant messaging user for sharing the first private information, wherein the share command comprises a group chat identifier for indicating a group chat in which the first private information is shared; providing the first private information to the second instant messaging user comprises: comparing a time stamp contained in the share command with one or more time stamps of the first private information; when the first private information with a first time stamp later than the time stamp contained in the share command is available, providing the first private information with the first time stamp to a member of the group chat contained in the contact list of the first instant messaging user; and providing the first private information with a second time stamp no later than the time stamp contained in the share command to a member of the group chat not contained in the contact list of the first instant messaging user.