User controlled anonymity when evaluating into a role

Abstract

A method, system, and program for user controlled anonymity when evaluating into a role are provided. An anonymous authentication controller enables a user to control anonymity of the user's identity for role based network accesses to resources, without requiring reliance on any single third party to maintain user anonymity. First, a role authentication certificate is received from a role authenticator, wherein the role authentication certificate certifies that the holder of the role authentication certificate is a member of a particular role without allowing the role authenticator issuing the role authentication certificate the ability to track an identity of a user holding the role authentication certificate. Next, an anonymous channel is established for anonymously presenting the role authentication certificate to a resource protector, wherein the resource protector requires the user to authenticate into the particular role to access a resource, wherein the role authentication certificate authenticates the user into the particular role without enabling the resource protector to ascertain the identity of the user, such that the user is in control of maintaining user anonymity for authenticated role-based accesses.