Patent ID: 7140036
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: G06F,G06Q,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of centralized identity authentication for use in connection with a communications network comprising: (a) registering users of the communications network with a centralized agent, each registered user being associated with authentication data from which that user can be authenticated; (b) registering with the centralized agent a plurality of different types of entities having a presence on the communications network, said plurality of different types of entities selectively engaging in a plurality of different types of transactions with registered users, said different types of entities and said different types of transactions including at least one of: (i) a first type of entity selectively engaging in a first type of transaction, wherein the first type of entity is a merchant and the first type of transaction includes selling at least one of goods and services to a registered user; and, (ii) a second type of entity selectively engaging in a second type of transaction, wherein the second type of entity is one that maintains personal records for registered users and the second type of transaction includes granting a registered user access to their personal records; and, (c) authenticating each user's identity over the communications network prior to completion of transactions between registered entities and registered users, wherein the registered users employ the same authentication data for both the first and second types of transactions.