Systems and methods for identity-based communication gate for social networks

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for control of online communication services, including social networks and video games. In some embodiments, parents of children engaging in activities using online communication services can control who their child can engage in communications with, while using online communication services. In some embodiments, parents can monitor potentially problematic communications between their child and other subscribers of an online communication service. Thus, subscribers of online communication services can be prevented from misrepresenting themselves or concealing important information, including age and gender.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A computer-implemented method of providing certified parental control for online communication services, the method comprising:
 receiving and storing in a database a set of control limits from a first person, said set of control limits associated with categories of persons a second person may communicate with;   receiving a communication to said second person from a third person; and   in response to receiving said communication, automatically checking in said database whether said third person is within the categories of persons said second person may communicate with; and   wherein the checking allows authorized communications to the second person from the third person.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said first person comprises a parent. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said second person comprises a child. 
     
     
         30 . A computer-implemented method of providing certified parental control for online communication services, the method comprising:
 receiving a third party communication over a network from a third person directed at a child;   checking whether said third person is within associated categories of persons said child may communicate with; and   in response to said checking, filtering, enabling, or blocking said third party communication from said third person.