Patent ID: 7664753

Claim:
A method implemented by a computer-based system for controlling access to confidential data, comprising: receiving a request for access to particular confidential data stored on one or more servers relating to one or more individuals, said request including a search query having one or more search terms, wherein a search engine is interfaced with said one or more servers containing confidential data for said one or more individuals in said one or more data bases, said one or more individuals being able to control access to their respective confidential data by defining data attributes; communicating with said one or more servers containing said one or more data bases including confidential data relating to said one or more individuals via said search engine; identifying said particular confidential data relating to said one or more individuals in said one or more data bases based upon said search terms; identifying one or more conditions for access to said particular confidential data by analyzing said data attributes; denying access to said particular confidential data when said conditions are not satisfied; and permitting access to said particular confidential data to said party when said conditions are satisfied.