Patent ID: 8301493
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method of providing incentives for the sharing of information, said method comprising the steps of: accepting consumer information; storing the consumer information in electronic form in at least one electronic database, wherein, by default, at least a sub-set of the consumer information is made available to a third party; requesting a decision from a consumer regarding opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party; receiving a response from the consumer to opt-out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party; determining, using a programmed computer, following the response, a level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information; determining, using the programmed computer, a subcategory of the level of interest having a first weight assigned that comprises the level of interest in keeping the consumer from opting out of sharing the sub-set of the consumer information; searching an electronic database for a selected incentive based on the subcategory of the level of interest; comparing a second weight assigned to the selected incentive offered to the first weight such that the second weight cannot exceed the first weight and wherein multiple incentives are capable of being selected to comprise the selected incentive as long as the sum of each second weight of each of the multiple incentives does not exceed the first weight; and offering the consumer the selected incentive in exchange for their permission to share the sub-set of the consumer information with the third party, wherein the selected incentive is offered prior to sharing of the sub-set of the consumer information.