Protecting user profile data in webid-based social networks through fine-grained filtering

Abstract

The WebID identification approach allows users to manage their profile data at a self-defined place in the cloud and enables services as well as other requesters to retrieve data stored within these profiles. While existing access control mechanisms can secure entire user profiles from unauthorized access, they lack fine-grained protection of sensitive data within user profiles. This paper presents an approach for applying requester-specific filters to cloud-stored user profile data in WebID-based distributed social networks. Our approach aims at enabling profile owners to protect sensitive user data within their profiles in a fine-grained manner. We demonstrate our solution by integrating the approach into a WebID identity provider and profile management platform. ©Springer International Publishing2013.