User control of anonymized profiling data using public and private blockchains in an electronic ad marketplace

Abstract

The disclosure relates to securing and enabling user control of profiling data, blockchain-driven matching of users and advertiser-identified anonymous profiling data records of interest, and smart contracts encoded by blockchain for executing transactions. The system may include an anonymized database of profiling data, which is unlinked to any user. The system may implement a private blockchain to store user-defined settings that provide user control over whether and how the profiling data may be used. If a grant to use the data is received, a link is stored that allows the system to identify a user associated with the anonymous profiling data records. If the grant is revoked, the link may be removed. The system may also implement public blockchain technology to record a public information relating to grants, online marketing transactions, making them verifiable, immutable, and transparent for various stakeholders including advertisers, publishers, and users.