Messaging gateway for directory and anonymous services

摘要

A subscriber who seeks to block access to contact information may receive identifying information for people attempting to access the subscriber's contact information. The subscriber also may be provided interfaces to enable the attempting person to contact the subscriber, in a variety of escalating forms, without revealing the subscriber's contact information. In a particular implementation, a request is received from an information seeker for contact information for a subscriber. A data structure is accessed that includes an indication that the subscriber should be provided with information relating to requests received for the subscriber's contact information. A message address for the subscriber is accessed, and a message is sent to the subscriber indicating the request for the subscriber's contact information. The requested contact information for the subscriber is withheld from the information seeker absent an indication from the subscriber that the requested contact information may be provided to the information seeker.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method, the method comprising the following operations performed by one or more processors:
receiving a request from an information seeker for contact information of a subscriber, the contact information allowing communication with the subscriber over a first communication medium; enabling the subscriber to designate a category associated with the information seeker; identifying an indication, made by the subscriber, that the requested contact information not be revealed to the information seeker unless the subscriber provides an express authorization, wherein the indication is made based on the requested contact information and the designated category associated with the information seeker; sending a message to the subscriber enabling the subscriber to indicate the express authorization; enabling the subscriber to respond to the message by requesting additional information from the information seeker, wherein the additional information comprises a name of the information seeker and a purpose of the request for contact information; and after receiving the additional information by the subscriber, further enabling the subscriber to provide the express authorization to authorize the information seeker to contact the subscriber through a second communication medium different than the first communication medium.