Tokenized encryption system for preserving anonymity while collecting behavioral data in networked systems

Abstract

The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing privacy to a user of a user device that is used for interacting with a networked software platform. A server computer coupled to the user device receives a hashed device ID of the device and generates a unique user ID in the form of a unique number. The user ID can be used by the server and other entities to gather information related to the activities of the user with respect to the networked software platform, which can be, for example, a video game platform, a social media platform, or a health-related diagnostic tool. The identity of the user remains anonymous during the information gathering procedures because neither the device ID nor the identity of the user is transmitted over the network when the user is participating in activities of the networked software platform.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer comprising:
 a memory that stores computer-executable instructions; and   a processor configured to access the memory and execute the computer-executable instructions to at least:
 receive a hashed device identifier (hashed device ID) that uniquely identifies a first user device hosting a networked software platform; 
 create a user identity (user ID) based on the hashed device ID; 
 generate an access token for a first user of the first user device; and 
 transmit, to the first user device, at least one of the user ID or the access token for providing privacy to the first user when used by the first user to communicate with at least the computer. 
   
     
     
         2 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to access the memory and execute additional computer-executable instructions to at least:
 receive, from the first user device, an alias and an unencrypted password that is generated by the first user of the first user device;   create an association between the unencrypted password and the user ID;   generate an encrypted password based on encrypting the unencrypted password; and   transmit to the first user device, the encrypted password for use by the first user to anonymously communicate with a second user of a second user device.   
     
     
         3 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein the hashed device ID is derived from one of a unique device identifier (UDID) of the first user device, a serial number of the first user device, an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) of the first user device, Android ID of the first user device, electronic serial number (ESN) of the first user device, a mobile equipment identifier (MEID) of the first user device, or an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) of the first user device. 
     
     
         4 . The computer of  claim 3 , wherein the computer is configured to operate as a server computer, wherein the user ID is an integer having at least 10 digits, and wherein the access token is an encrypted key generated by the server computer. 
     
     
         5 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein the networked software platform comprises one of a social media platform, a video game platform, or a health-related diagnostic tool. 
     
     
         6 . The computer of  claim 5 , wherein the communication device is one of an Android® phone or an iPhone®.