Computer Method and Apparatus Providing Brokered Privacy of User Data During Searches

摘要

Computer method and apparatus brokers and provides user data in a computer network of users. The invention system stores user data of the users. A search engine enables a searching user to query the stored user data and maintain anonymity of the users. The invention system brokers the query/search results. Each user whose stored user data matches the query maintains stewardship or control over the exposure of her/his user data. An output unit displays to the searching user the matching user data as brokered through (approved and optionally edited by) the respective user.