WO2011143761A1

WO2011143761A1 - Unifying social graphs across multiple social networks

Info

Publication number: WO2011143761A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/000588
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Collins; Ryan Baldwin; Kevin Pierce; Krystian Olszanski
Original assignee: Vendasta Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 2010-05-19
Filing date: 2011-05-19
Publication date: 2011-11-24
Also published as: CA2704866A1

Abstract

Software for the unification of user profiles on social networking sites is disclosed, which can be used to yield a consolidated social graph for a user of multiple social networks. Multiple social networks to which the user is a subscriber are queried and a unified social graph for the user is returned. Previously unseen linkages between users of disparate social networks can be located using the unified graph for a user. Appropriate security controls to allow connections of the user to control their inclusion in the unified graph can be provided.

Description

UNIFYING SOCIAL GRAPHS ACROSS MULTIPLE SOCIAL NETWORKS

This invention is in the field of social networking software and systems, and more specifically deals with the concept of identifying internetwork connections between different social networking platforms for the same user.

BACKGROUND Social networking sites are online sites via the web, Internet, etc. that provide a virtual community for various online users. Users of social networking websites interact and communicate with one another in various messaging formats about shared interests, discussion threads, etc. there are many different examples of social networking sites available in different business or personal formats or verticals - for example some of the more popular personal social networking sites include MySpace™, Facebook™ and Twitter™, and from a more business or professional orientation there are many sites available as well including Linkedln™ which is a popular business-oriented social networking website. These websites are only four examples of the vast proliferation of social networks and sites that are available for users. There can be narrower demographically focused social networks developed within the framework of these larger available sites, and there are also many social networking sites launched or available which are dedicated specifically to social networking in a very particular demographic or other context. Each user of a social network site has a user profile. The user profile of a social networking user would be populated with various types of personal information including name, contact particulars such as e-mail address, mailing details etc., location or residence, interests, gender, or even lists of other users of that social network site who are friends, family or colleagues etc. The map or web of relationships between social networking users and others is often referred to as their "social graph". The mapping of relations between individuals into individual social graphs is in some cases the largest benefit or pursuit of certain social networking sites, particularly those in which it is desired to uncover or find interrelations through multiple layers of personal contacts between a user and another individual.

One of the current limitations of social networking and the social graphing discussed above is that users have different logins or profiles on different social networking sites and as such an individual social networking user who uses multiple social networking sites in fact actually has a separate social graph for each such website or provider. As such there is a significant limitation in the ability to mine or cross pollinate the social graphs of a user on different social networking sites since at present they really all stand alone and are not in any way connected.

Some of the key elements then in the use and development of social graphing technology arc the following: a) users participating in multiple social networks want to be identified as the same person in all of them - there is need for a way to map user identities from multiple social networks onto each other [node equivalence]; b) different people are related in different social networks using different relationship denominators [e.g. Friends, coworkers, etc.]. Some social networking sites use a finer level of granularity in the types of relationships they define; c) Node discoverability— there needs to be a way for a new user who joins a social network to be able to identify connections from their pre-existing social graph who are using that new social network. Another issue with respect to social graphs relates to the portability and ownership of the user's personal information from their social networking profiles. A great deal of personal information is either explicitly or implicitly revealed while using social networks and a key concern in the extension of social networking technology is to observe the desire of users to want to own or control the use or disclosure of their personal information, including their own social graphs.

It is believed that there could be great progress made in the convergence or advancement of social networking technologies if there was a way to unify an individuals social graphs from various social networking sites, while observing or providing a platform for enforcement of information controls by users over their information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a system, apparatus, data structure and method whereby the creation of consolidated social graphs for individuals across multiple social networking platforms is enabled.

In one aspect, a system for unifying user profiles on social networks is provided. The system comprises: a website system having at least one web server and operatively connectable through a network to at least one client device; and a user equivalence database operatively connected to the website system, the user equivalence database having a memory storing a data structure comprising a plurality of user index identifiers, each user index identifier associated with a specific user and apl dji .Q£_uagJ et i?jk. profile records, each user network profile record identifying a social network. The website system is operative to connect to a plurality of social networking websites and obtain social graph data using the login information in the user profiles.

In another aspect, a memory for storing data for access by an application program being executed on a data processing system is provided. The memory stores a data structure comprising: a plurality of user index identifiers, each user index identifier associated with a specific user and a plurality of user network profile records, each user network profile record identifying a social network.

In another aspect, a method of unifying user profiles from a plurality of social networks is provided. The method comprises: providing a data structure having a plurality of user index identifiers, each user index identifier associated with a specific user and a plurality of user network profile records, each user network profile record identifying a social network and log in information for the social network; identifying a specific user index identifier associated with a user, and for each user network profile record associated with the user index identifier, obtaining the login information associated with the user network profile; using the login information to log in to the social network associated with the user network profile; and extracting a social graph dataset from the associated social network. The social graph dataset can information identifying interconnections between the user associated with the specific user index identifier and other people. The method can then use the collected social graph datasets, constructing a consolidated social graph indicating the interconnections between the user and the other people in the different social networks.

By allowing for the automated assembly of consolidated social graphs for an individual across multiple social networking platforms previously unknown or hidden relationships and connections will be uncovered which have numerous personal or even commercial applications; There is provided a user equivalence data structure and user equivalence database for use in the remainder of the method of the present invention which basically allows for the connection of authentication information and other basic details of user identities or profiles for individual users across multiple social networking platforms, and these identities or profiles are linked to an individual user identity key such that a one to many relationship is created between the physical user identity and their identities on the social networking platforms to which they subscribe and to which they wish to include in the method or approach of the present invention.

In the user equivalence database of the present invention, there is a user identity key record created in respect of each user of the database, and then a user network profile record created in the database in respect of each social network to which the users identified by user identity key records wished to incorporate into their consolidated social graph. In certain implementations of the user equivalence database of the present invention, both the users who are the subject of the user identity key record or the user network profile record, or else "distal" users who would be members of the social graph of the user or even members of the social graph of the members of the social graph of the user could be allowed to opt in or opt out of the inclusion of their information in the extended social graphing function of the present invention. Various data structures or database tools can be contemplated.

In addition to the data structure and user equivalence database of the present invention the invention also comprises the method of creating a consolidated social graph in respect of the user across multiple social networking platforms using a central user equivalence database containing authentication information in respect of the individual user identities for that user on individual social networking platforms such that by use of a software agent or other approach the individual social graphs of the user in question can be extracted from the individual social networking platforms and assembled in a consolidation database such that a consolidated social graph can be rendered in respect of the user. Either a flat or single layer social graph could be created across multiple social networking platforms, or in a better implementation, by incorporation of the single layer or flat social graphs of individuals who are interned members of the social graph of the user in question, a multilayered social graph can be created across networks which allows for the uncovering of many previously unknown connections and relationships of potential value.

In terms of the specific method of creation of the consolidated social graph, a software agent is used based upon user network profile records contained within the user equivalence database to extract social graph data sets from each of the social networks for which the user has subscribed in the user equivalence database, which are then incorporated into a consolidated dataset from which the consolidated social graph of the user in either single or multiple layers can be rendered.

There is also contemplated a significant searching component which will be enabled by the system of the present invention. A consolidated database in which the crossnetwork social graphs of individuals is contained will provide the ability for either of those individuals or others to conduct a deep layer searching to identify relationships on a commercial or personal level between connections across multiple platforms.

In addition to the method of creation of the consolidated social graph, a system is also disclosed comprising a server and database administration software components which will administer the user equivalence database and a consolidation database. Individual social network software agents are created which will as a part of the system interface directly with the social networks for which the system is optimized for performance for the purpose of extracting the data subsets for creation of social graphs as well as for the purpose of interacting with the users of those individuals social networks to obtain their permission to either be in or out of the collection of information for the creation of these consolidated social graphs.

Various types of user interfaces are contemplated in terms of the provision of the ability to the user to include a user network profile record in respect of a particular social network user identity in the user equivalence database. These include a website interface provided by the provider of the user equivalence database in which authentication information and user identity information could be provided and logged into the record by the user. The other approach will be to provide some kind of a link through or other software which will allow the user to directly connect their user identity from a particular social networking platform to the user equivalence database and remaining components of the system of the present invention by interacting directly with the social networking website itself without the need to visit on an ongoing basis for collection purposes in any event the system of the present invention.

The computer software used to extract the data sets and assembled a consolidated social graphs for users is also disclosed and contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:

Figure 1 is one embodiment of a social graph of a user of a social network; Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a plurality of social network graphs for a user;

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a consolidated social graph for a user of Figure 2;

Figure 4 demonstrates the contents of a user equivalence index in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 demonstrates one embodiment of a user equivalence database in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing one embodiment of the process by which a user network profile record would be created in the user equivalence database of the present invention, using a software connector directly implanted in the content of a social network website;

Figure 7 is a flow chart demonstrating one embodiment of a workflow for the creation of a consolidated social graph based upon multiple social identities of a user;

Figure 8 is one sample of the information in a very basic demonstrative sense that might be included in the consolidation database in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 is an architectural drawing of one embodiment of the system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Prior art/terminology: For the sake of understanding the scope and subject matter of the present application is desired to provide some description of prior art social network techniques and terminology which will be useful for the sake of further enabling or describing the present invention. Where we refer to a "user" in the context of the present invention we refer to a user of one or more social networking sites or tools. Each user would have a user profile including indications of connections with other users, in respect of each social networking site. The relationships between a user of a social network and other users of that network are referred to herein as a network-specific social graph.

A tool and methodology for the unification of user profiles and social graphs across multiple social networking sites is provided. Social networking sites are typically developed and delivered as websites within which individuals or users with similar interests can exchange information— it will be understood to those skilled in the art that social networking sites or technology could also be delivered in other technical models other than a typical client/server website environment and that the delivery or operation of a social networking site or tool that in any way tracks user information with respect to users including interconnections between users of the site or tool is contemplated. A social graph is conceptually a map of interconnections between individuals. In the context of a social networking website or tool, a user specific social graph is a map of the interconnections between users of that social networking site with a specific user profile. Any social networking site which provides the ability for a user to create a profile containing personal information and/or which can be linked to the profiles of other users within that network for the purpose of creating a user specific social graph within that network is contemplated within the scope or the context of the social networks outlined herein. For demonstrative purposes there is shown in Figure 1 a first social graph 10 of the user 2 - the user 2 (John) is shown as having three connections 3 in the first layer of their social network on that particular tool or website 7, namely Joe, Kelly and Chris. Also demonstrated in this Figure are second and third layers in the social graph of John, labeled as 4 and 5 respectively. There are shown two second layer connections 4, Rick and Tom, and a third layer connection 5 beneath Tom 4. It will be understood that each of the connections shown in John's social graph, namely Joe, Kelly, Chris, Rick, Tom, Eric, would each have their own social graph based upon the same connection information from the social network but each social graph for each user 2 would read slightly differently with different groupings of connections 3, 4, 5 etc.

Figure 2 demonstrates three social graphs 10 with respect to one user 2, and Figure 3 demonstrates a consolidated social graph of the user 2 which is created by gathering and consolidating the contents of each of the three separate social graphs 10 shown in Figure 2. The consolidated social graph which is shown in Figure 3 is at this point for simplification and demonstration purposes only a social graph connected back to a single head individual, namely John.

User equivalence index:

A user equivalence index 1 can be used in the rendering of consolidated social graphs across multiple social networks as well as to allow for more advanced functionality such as exploring multiple layer relations between multiple users across social networks. The user equivalence index I can identify thejnultiple users 2 across multiple social networks 7. Each user network profile 8 identified within the index 1 will be a user network profile within a social network 7 with respect to a user 2. As such, if a user 2 had profiles 8 on seven different social networks 7, there could be seven different user profiles 8 identified with respect to that particular user 2 within the index 1 .

Referring to Figure 4 for demonstration purposes there are listed a series of different user profiles for two users, John and Tim. The table of Figure 4 outlines the general information which would be used to collect or build the user equivalence index one of the present invention, namely the particulars of the social identities of the user on a plurality of social networking sites along with necessary login information, and the social identities of the user would each be linked back to a single user identity key in the index. In this table the user identity key which is shown is the normal name of the user, whereas the user names on the social networks in question are shown as the separate denominators of each social network identity. The social network identities of John, in respect of each of the three social identities listed in the table of Figure 4, are also shown in respect of the social graphs demonstrated in Figure 3 for the sake of matching them up.

In terms of the physical embodiment of the user equivalence index 1 of the present invention, the actual data structure of the user equivalence index in question will be any data structure which is capable of being stored in a memory for access by at least one application program being executed by a data processing system. Various means of preparing a data structure or database which could be used in accordance with the present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art of database design and programming. The data processing system in question would be a website, search engine or other program employing the user equivalence index methodology of the present invention. Specific details of the data structure could vary based upon the network infrastructure or other tools being used in the operation of the system. At its core, which will be simply understood by those skilled in the art of relational database design, the data structure of the user equivalence index 1 will include a single user index identifier 6 with respect to a user 2. This single user index identifier 6 will in turn be connected, as the key or a serial identifier of users 2 of the index, to multiple user network profiles 8 within the index 1. The user equivalence index 1 will link the details of multiple social networking network profiles 8 for users 2 to a single user index identifier 6 with respect to the user 2. The user profile of a user 2 with respect to a particular social network 7 provides the center point for a social graph 10 of that user 2 with respect to that social network 7.

Looking past the user index identifier 6 which would identify singly in the user equivalence index 1 an individual user 2, the user equivalence index 1 would also then include reference to a plurality of user network profiles 8, each of which corresponds to the user profile and login of the particular user 2 with respect to a particular social networking tool 7. In the electronic embodiment of the user equivalence index 1 , these user network profiles 8 would also store the necessary login and authentication details for the user 2 on the social network 7 in question, so that the remainder of the system or software tools accessing or using the user equivalence index database 12 could if programmed correctly conduct automatic logins to the social networks 7 in question for the purpose of assembling, concatenating or otherwise extracting information from the social graphs 10 of the user 2 on those respective social networking sites 7. More than one user network profile 8 is contemplated to be contained within the index 1 with respect to each user 2. Basically, the user equivalence index 1 of the present invention would connect multiple user profiles of a user 2 from multiple social networks 7. User equivalence database:

The user equivalence index 1 described above could be a user equivalence database 11. The specific design of the user equivalence database 11 could vary depending upon the remainder of the tools developed for use tlierewith and specific renderings of data structures for the user equivalence database would be understood by those skilled in the art of relational database design. The user equivalence database 1 1 could contain a plurality of user network profile records 13, each of which corresponded to the user profile of a particular user 2 on a social network 7 and was linked back to a particular user identity key or record 12, as outlined in further detail with respect to the user equivalence index 1 above.

As outlined above the user network profile records 13 would also each contain the security credentials or login requirements to log into the social network 7 in question and extract or manipulate information from the social graphs 10 of the user 2.

Each user would effectively be identified in a single central user identity key record 12 which could be connected in a one to many relationship to the multiple user profile records 13 which could exist in the database with respect to that user.

The particulars or specifics of design of the user equivalence index or database of the present invention will be understood to one skilled in the art and there are likely many different specific tangible embodiments or methods by which the database in question could be designed to accomplish this result.

The data structure of the user equivalence database 11 could also include additional tables or additional information, as will be understood to those skilled in the art of database programming or social networking information manipulation. It is contemplated that the user profile records 13 within the database 11 would be created as a result of user interaction with a website or a software front end to the index/database which will be described elsewhere herein. Using the user equivalence index and database of the , tools could be developed which would allow users to identify relations with users across multiple social networks, so long as each user had provided the details for a active user profile record within the database in respect of each social network from which they want to make their network-specific social graph available.

Association of user profiles:

The user equivalence database 1 1 can create a central unifying tool which can be used to consolidate or match up the multiple user profiles that an individual social network user 2 might have across multiple social network sites or providers 7. By creating a user profile record 13 within the database 1 1 corresponding to each user profile on a social network which was desired by user 2 to incorporate or track, and relating that user profile record 13 to a user identity 2 in a many to one relationship whereby many user profile records 13 would be related to a single user identity 12, it will then be possible to consolidate the various social network identities of the single user 2. This will effectively provide a tool whereby node equivalence in multiple social networks can be used or enforced in various applications. Consolidation or connection of social identities of single users across multiple social networks will allow for the ability to drill down multiple layers across networks to uncover relationships of value. Consolidation of social graphs;

The user equivalence database 11 can provide a tool by which the network-specific social graphs 10 of individual social network users 2 can be either consolidated or assessed on a cross network basis. The user equivalence database 11 of the present invention could be used to, in respect of individual users 2 tor whom there is a user identity record 13 within the database 11, use the login or security credentials 9 associated with each user profile record 13 in the database 11 to query the individual social network sites 7 to which the user profiles memorialized in those user profile records 13 apply and pull back details of the social graph 10 of the user 2 in question from that social network 7. The contents of individual social network site queries conducted using the particulars of each user profile record 13 corresponding to that user's user identity 12 from the database 11 could then be manipulated or simply combined and reported— the creation of a unified social graph or even unification of other user profile information from the individual social networks 7 in question with respect to the user 2 is achieved by creation and maintenance of the central user equivalence database I I. Figure 4 demonstrates a consolidated social graph 10 for user John incorporating the contents of social graphs 10 of John from three separate social networks 7. The social graphs for John which are shown in figures 1 through 3 actually demonstrate multiple layers of social graphing for John and in fact his direct social graph for social network may only be the first layer of contacts to which on each social network he has directly connected himself. The second and third layers which are shown in certain of the social graphs are actually the social graphs of the first layer individuals from whom they depend ~ either type of the data collection or extraction process could be performed i.e. either the extraction of a single layer social graph from an individual social network for inclusion in the consolidation database 19, or alternatively the software agents 19 could be capable of identifying these multilayer social graphs that could be extracted and would immediately provide additional population data in the onspHdati ri fati^pA9.-mAjgX£- a far better information base on which to function very quickly as the system was implemented or rolled out.

It will be understood that there are many other functions which could be furthered or achieved using the user equivalence database 11 of the present invention and that all such functionality insofar as it does not depart from the direction and intent hereof would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

The consolidated social graph which is provided for a user 2 by the concentration of their social graphs 10 from multiple social networks 7 using the user equivalence database 11 and tools enhances the concept of node discoverability in the context of social networking as well. By the use of the unified social graph of a user 2 with respect to multiple social network user profiles 8, the user 2 can identify connections from their preexisting social graphs 10 who are using a new social network tool.

Social network architecture:

The conceptual architecture of most social networking websites will be similar. In a relational database, users are able to indicate network connections between themselves and other users of the social networking site, and then other functionality such as messaging, information exchange etc. is also facilitated.

Many of these social networking websites will include application programming interfaces or APIs which allow for the selection and/or extraction of information therefrom in an appropriate circumstance. Alternatively, in some cases information can be extracted from the social network website by some kind of a more labor-intensive screen capturing spidering or other type of a process. In any case what is contemplated is that each social network in respect of which the svstem will operate will in some wav_ or . another facilitate or allow the automatic authentication or login of an agent software component on behalf of the system 18 of the present invention which can then extract the social graph data set 7 in respect of the user.

Creation of consolidated social graph:

In addition to the structure of the user equivalence database 11 and the system and other components outlined in further detail below, a method of preparation of a consolidated social graph comprising storing the details of multiple user identities pertaining to different social networks with respect to a particular user in the user equivalence database, and then using a software agent to extract from each social network using the login and other social identity information stored in the user equivalence database in respect of that social network and the user a social graph data set corresponding to the social graph of that user from that social network is provided. These social graph datasets are then all collated in a central consolidated data repository in which they can be cleaned and organized before rendering a consolidated social graph for the user in question. This method is described in further detail elsewhere herein.

System architecture;

In one embodiment, the a system for the creation of consolidated social graphs for users across multiple social networks is provided. The system comprises a user equivalence database within which user identity information is stored in respect of at least one social network identities for each user. In certain embodiments additional user identities or additional user identity parameters beyond basic information are also stored. User identity information is stored within the user equivalence database in association with a user identity key such that the multiple user identities for a single user can be linked together.

In addition to the user equivalence database, which is hosted on a computer capable of receiving transmissions of information thereto and entering or editing records in the user equivalence database, there is also provided the software interface by which users of the system of the present invention can enter or adjust their user identity information in respect of various social networks and trigger a request for the provision of a consolidated social graph. The system can also comprise a website system or other computer software by which a user can extract their consolidated social graph.

Consolidated social graphs could be prepared by the software of the system of the present invention either on demand or by a periodic update and storage thereof to a consolidation database, within the system without the need for operator intervention.

Referring to Figure 9 there is shown one embodiment of the system of the present invention which includes a number of different components which are demonstrated for a general conceptual understanding of the system architecture in the practice of the method of the present invention. The particular implementation of the system of the present invention which is shown as a cloud or Internet-based embodiment— the TCP/IP network connection between the various components of the system is shown at 12.

There is shown first, at the core of the system, a website system 18 of the present invention which houses the necessary hardware and software components to deliver or practice the method of the present invention. There is specifically shown within the website system 18 at least one server 14 which is amongst other things the host to an HTML document store or host to the necessary components information to serve content and interact with users at user computers 23. In addition to the server 14 there is shown to database administration software components 21 and 22 which are responsible for administration of data transactions to and from the user equivalence database 1 1 and a consolidation database or data structure 1 . There are a couple of different methods of practicing the invention vis-a-vis the consolidation data structure 1 as outlined elsewhere herein, firstly being a method by which the consolidation database 19 would be populated at the time of request from a user for the assembly of a consolidated social graph and upon delivery of that information the consolidation database would effectively be emptied as a temporary structure. The second approach which is likely more widely contemplated or would be used would be to administer a central consolidation database that will be maintained and updated periodically based on the contents of the user equivalence database 11 and will allow for more reporting to users based on changes in their social graphs or will also allow tor quicker rendering of an up-to-date social graph based on the fact that it will not be necessary to extract all of the data subsets from the social networks 7 in question at the time of request of the delivery of the information.

Also shown are three separate social network software components 1 each of which is customized to interact with and extract information from a specific social network website 7.

In addition to the website system 18 of the present invention there are shown in by way of example two client devices 23, which will be understood to be any type of a computing, such as personal computers, laptops, smart phones, mobile devices, etc. with a browser of the necessary software components to interact with the website system 18 for the purpose of entering or updating records to the user equivalence database 11 or requesting or viewing the consolidated social graphs prepared by the system 18.

Also shown are three different social networking websites 7. Each social networking website 7 would in turn be a website which users could have user profiles on and in respect of which the logon credentials for a particular user, to access their social graph thereon, would be stored within the records of the user equivalence database to allow for the automated extraction and preparation of consolidated social graphs for a user 2. As will be immediately apparent to anyone skilled in the art of network infrastructure and software design, there are virtually endless ways of configuring different hardware and software combinations to render or practice the method of the present invention.

Database administration software:

Also shown in Figure 9 are two database administration software components, 21 and 22. It may be the case that the handling of reading and writing transactions to and from the user equivalence database 11 and the consolidation database 19 could be done by a single software component or even by an integrated component within the operating system or elsewhere on the server or hardware associated therewith. In any event, the system 18 can include the necessary software components 21 and 22 to access and manipulate the contents of the user equivalence database 1 1 and the consolidation database 19. These components would interact with other components of the system of the invention to effect the writing of data to either of these databases 11, 1 , or the extraction of information from those databases for use by the remainder of the system in the collection or rendering of consolidated social graphs.

Social network specific agent software:

One of the specific components that can be provided in the system, for the creation and extraction of the social graph datasets 17 from individual social networks 7 are social network specific software connectors or agents 19 which would be resident on or administered by the system 18 and would each be coded such that they were capable of extracting social graph datasets 17 from individual social network architecture. For example it may be the case that for each social network 7 which it was desired to integrate with the system there was some type of an application programming interface or API available which allowed for the relatively simple access to the contents of the social network website 7 for the extraction of the datasets 17, or in certain circumstances it may be necessary to code a more elaborate connector or software agent that would in a more labor-intensive fashion extract the necessary information to create a social graph datasets 17 which could be used or incorporated into the consolidation database 1 of the present invention for the rendering or use of consolidated social graphs. It may also be the case that a single software agent or software component could be scripted or created that would allow for the extraction of data subsets 17 from multiple social network websites but insofar as each social network 7 likely has a significantly different architecture it is contemplated that the most streamlined approach will be to create subroutines or subsets directed to specific social networks and extraction of information therefrom. The specific programming approach which is taken with respect to these connectors is immaterial to the scope of this application insofar as each such connector would be able to accomplish the objective of authenticating themselves to the social network 7 in question as the user 2 for whom the social graph was desired to be extracted, and then executing a proper selection or query from the contents of that social network 7 to pull down that information to the website system 18 in order to incorporate that in a standardized fashion into the consolidation data structure which could either be implemented as an ongoing periodic updates and statically maintained database 19 or alternatively could be a data structure that was simply populated on a temporary basis at such time as the collection and rendering of the consolidated social graph in respect of a particular user 2 was desired.

A second software function is for users 2 to be able to initiate the creation of records within the user equivalence database 11 corresponding to their various social network user identities so that they can include those user identities in their created consolidated social graphs pursuant to the remainder of the invention. Either in the same agent software or in related links or content between the social network websites 7 and the system of the present invention 18, it is contemplated that users would be able to in the streamlined fashion by simply selecting a link or making some basic data entry initiate from the social network website, or alternatively through a website offered by the provider as that shown at 18, the creation of a user network profile records 13 within the user equivalence database 1 1.

Consolidation table/database;

The consolidation table or database 19 which is shown in Figure 9 would be any data structure capable of storing either on a temporary or longer-term basis as the implementation of the system might require the details of the individual social graphs of users from individual social networks 7 which could be used to generate a consolidated social graph for the user 2 as requested or required.

User interface - user identity maintenance:

There are several di ferent contexts in which a user interface to the system and software of the present invention would be required are provided. The first of these would be with respect to the actual population or maintenance of the user equivalence database 11.

Either through a standalone website, or through a conduit or applet which could be integrated into third-party social networking websites, there would be an interface with the user equivalence database 11 which would allow users 2 to create or edit network profile records 13 within the user equivalence database 1 1, to add or remove reference to. their various social network identities from the equivalence database for use in the consolidated social mapping and other functions of the system of the present invention. There will also be required different user interface components with respect to "output" based upon the use of the user equivalence database 11, but it is first intended to describe the different contemplated user interfaces for the creation and maintenance of user network profile records 13 within the database 11.

The two approaches which are contemplated in terms of allowing a user 2 to enter or modify user network profile records 13 within the database 11 are either a website operated by the proprietor of the user equivalence database 11 or actively connected directly thereto, or a plug-in or software component which can be integrated by social network providers to effectively allow a user 2 of a social network 7 to "subscribe", "unsubscribe" and/or provide other opt in settings in respect of their identity on the social networks seven for inclusion in the user equivalence database 11.

In the context of a website which is provided for the specific purpose of administering user contents of the user equivalence database 11 , a Web server operably connected to the Internet for another computer network via which a user 2 could access content on the server via a client browser, could contain the necessary software components and HTML or other data files as well as potentially either the user equivalence database 11 itself or an operative connection thereto, and the website could serve content to the client allowing the user 2 to enter or adjust settings in respect of individual user network profile records 13 within the database 11. A basic embodiment of the type of a web form which could be used on the front end of the user equivalence database 1 1 to collect this type of information for the creation of user network profile records 13 could basically provide a drop down or a menu from which the user 2 could select from supported social networks 7, and then enter their usernarne and password with respect to that social network 7, comprising the security credentials 9 for storage in the user network profile record 13. The user network profile record 3 which would be created U5i¾ this infonnation would then be linked to the user equivalence key or user index profile record 12 with respect to the user 2 within the user equivalence database 11 such that as outlined elsewhere herein, there could be numerous user network profile records 13 connected to a single user identity or user index profile record 12 within the database in a many to one relationship.

A second option in terms of user interface which would allow users 2 to create or modify user network profile records 13 within the user equivalence database 11 would be for the vendor or proprietor of the user equivalence database 11 to provide a software connector or applet which could be used by social networks 7 to provide within their own website environments the ability for a user 2 to effectively simply by selecting a button or making some other type of a link or data entry selection through certain web content on the social network site 7, passed through from the social network site 7 to the user equivalence database 1 1 the necessary information to create a user network profile record 13 and identifying information for the user 2 that will allow the connection of that user network profile record 13 either to a pre-existing user index profile record 12 within the database 1 1, or alternatively if there is not already a user index profile record 12 could trigger an additional data form allowing the user 2 to create same or automatically create same based on information passed to the server/system and the database 11 from the social network 7 in question. As outlined elsewhere herein typically those user network profile records 13 in this context would include an indicator or connector to a user index profile record 12 within the database 11 and then would also include the user name or identifier in respect of the social network 7 along with any security or login credentials 9 which are required by a user or by an automated attendant to login to the social network website 7 and extract social graph information pertaining to the user's identity for use in the consolidated mapping techniques of the present invention.

Simply by way of demonstrating one embodiment or operation of the user interface which is intended for the present invention, as well inferentially describing one means of creation of user network profile records 13 within the database l l_.iJve_r?^Jp_EiguiieL.iL Figure 5 is a flow chart demonstrating one embodiment of a data floor workflow by which users could, using a software connector or other embedded functionality directly within a social network website 7, submit information for creation of a user network profile record 13 within the user equivalence database 1 1 effectively resulting in submission of the user identity of the user 2 in respect of the social network 7 in question for inclusion in the user equivalence database 1 1 and the various social graph consolidation functions etc. which can be conducted using the present invention.

Shown at step 6-1, the user 2 logs into a social networking website 7 and accesses their user identity. During the course of interaction with the social network 7, shown generally at step 6-2, the user could at some point be presented with the option, by clicking a link or a button on the screen or other interface functionality, to submit their user identity from the social network 7 for inclusion in the user equivalence database 1 1 of the present invention. Effectively, the user would at Step 6-3 make whatever interface selection was necessary to trigger the submission of their user identity to the database 11. The social networking website 7 infrastructure would then create and submit a user identity packet 15 via network connection on the Internet or otherwise to the server responsible for administering the creation or editing of records within the database 11, shown as the equivalence server 14. Creation of the user identity packet 15, Step 6-4, would likely include the user ID or other identifier from the social network 7 in respect of the user 2 along with whatever login credentials were necessary for the user or for a software agent to later log on to the system of the social network 7 to extract social graphing information therefrom. It may also be the case that additional security parameters desired by the user such as limitations on the information they wish to make available to the consolidated social graph created by the database 11 etc. could also be included within the packet 15.

Receipt of the user identity packet 5 at the equivalence server 14 is shown at step 6-5. The packet 15 upon receipt would be parsed out into the user identity details which were transmitted from the social network 7. The details contained within the packet IS .could then be used to first identity the user ID key or user identifier 12 from the database 1 1 to which that particular user identity and its related record 13 should be connected, and if there is no user ID key or record 1 already in existence in the database 11 which corresponds to the user 2, either by serving back to the social network 7 a request for further information or a form for further submission by the user 2, or by automatic creation based upon information contained within the packet 15, a user identity key record 12 could be created within the database 1 1 in respect of the user 2. Either upon identity or creation of the proper user ID key record 12, a user network profile record 13 could be created in the user equivalence database 11 which was linked to the proper user ID key 12.

It will be understood that the workflow shown in Figure 5 is simply one basic approach to the creation of a user network profile record 13 in accordance with the basic implementation of the system and method of the present invention and that there will be many other approaches which could be used.

Use of the index to create a unified social graph for a user: The key aspect of the present invention in terms of the utility of the user equivalence database 11 which is created is the ability to create a unified social graph for a user based on the contents of their social graphs from multiple social networks.

Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 there are shown first three separate social graphs for user John, and then a consolidated social graph for user John in Figure 4 based on the collection and concatenation of the contents of the three social graphs of Figure 3.

In terms of the physical embodiment of a tool which would allow for this to take place, a software tool which would likelv he used for delivery of results_, through JL webjsiie would be developed which would use the contents of individual user network profile records 13 from the database 11 in respect of the user 2 to extract the social graph information in respect of the user 2 from each of the compatible social network sites 7 in respect of which the records 13 existed, and then to render a consolidated map of all of that information.

It is specifically contemplated that in order for the consolidated social graphing aspect of the present invention to function, specific software connectors or agents could be used for each social network 7 that it was desired to be compatible with the system and index of the present invention. For example in the context of the consolidated social graph shown in Figure 4 if it was desired for the system of the present invention to operate properly in respect of Linked In™, Facebook™ and the third generic social network shown as SN3 in those demonstrative maps, if each of those were social networking websites it would be necessary to create a software agent which could connect for example to Facebook™, submit the user login credentials in respect of the particular user identity of the user 2, based on the contents of a specific user network profile record 13 from the database 11 , and then draw down the social graph results in respect of that social identity of the user 2 likely into a temporary table into which similarly the social graph results from the other social network websites can also be placed and/or compared to identify similar connections from multiple social networks etc. and basically remove duplicates etc. from the information before producing the information and consolidated social graph shown in Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 7 there is shown one flow chart of a process by which a consolidated social graph for a user could be created in accordance with the present invention. The method outlined in this particular flow chart could be one method by which software in accordance with the present invention could be used to create the consolidated social graph demonstrated in Figure 3 in respect of the multiple individual social graphs of a user 2 shown in Figure 2. Referring to this workflow, where it was desired to create a consolidated social graph for a user the function to create the graph would be selected by a user of the social consolidation website of the present invention and upon triggering the creation of the consolidated social graph 10 for user 2, the first data entry or data selection which would be to take place would be the selection of the particular user identity key record 12 from the user equivalence database 11 corresponding to the user 2 in respect of which it was desired to create the consolidated social graph. This is shown at step 7-1 of the Figure. Once the user identity key record 12 was identified, the software of the present invention would identify a related user identity record's 13 from the user equivalence database I I, each of which records 13 correspond to the user identity or social graph of the user 2 in respect of a particular social network site 7. In the case of user John, shown in the user equivalence index of Figure 4 as well as in the various demonstrative social graph Figures 1 through 3, if the user identity key record 12 corresponding to John was selected from the user equivalence database 11, the three user identities of John in respect of three social networks namely Facebook, Linkedln and SN3 as identified by the corresponding related user identity records 13 from the database 11 would be selected. Querying or selecting these records 13 from the database 11 is shown at 7-2.

The next step in the creation of the consolidated social graph for user John would be to loop through each of the social networks 7 identified in the user identity records 13 and extract the individual social graph information from John from each of those sites. Specifically, the social consolidation website and its related software components would, using social network specific agent software capable of accessing the social network 7 in question as well as extracting information there from, would conduct a logon to the social network 7 in question using the credentials 9 from the record 13 and then based on the login to the social network 7 question that network specific agent software 16 would select and extract a dataset from the social network 7 question being the social graph dataset 7 in respect of that user 2.

This software connector or agent can then collate and transmit this social graph dataset 17 back to the social consolidation website provider 18 of the present invention. Upon receipt of the social graph dataset 17, the provider system would store the social graph dataset 17 in respect of that social network 7 to a consolidation table or database 19 which would effectively be a temporary data structure for the collation of the consolidated social graph of the user— the specific format or data structure of a temporary file or storage area within which the social graph datasets 17 in respect of a user 2 will be understood by those skilled in the art of website programming.

It is contemplated that the social graph dataset 17 which was extracted from each social network 7 would include sufficient information from the profiles of members of the social network or graph of the user 2 from that specific social network 7 to allow for the rendering of a consolidated dataset or social graph of sufficient granularity for the purposes or desires of the user 2 but also sufficient information would be contained within those social graph datasets 17 that to the greatest degree possible for example duplicates could be eliminated from the consolidated datasets etc. All of this type of information could obviously be user names, proper names of members of the social graph, e-mail addresses or other identifying information which could be spidered or otherwise queried off of the social network 7 question in respect of the social graph members of that network. Various cleaning or filtration algorithms and approaches can be contemplated for the aggregation, streamlining and cleaning of the social graph datasets 17 and any such programs or approaches which are taken which accomplish the objective of allowing for the removal of duplicates and other data cleaning functions as will be understood to those skilled in the art of database design or social networking or social graphing are all contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The consolidation table or database 19 is shown in this Figure.

The data collection loop pertaining to the extraction of social graph datasets ! 7 from each social network 7 identified in the relevant set of user identity records 13 from the user equivalence database 1 is shown at steps 7-3 through 7-8 of this Figure.

Figure 8 shows one embodiment of the anticipated consolidation data structure 19 which could be created or populated with the contents of the social graph datasets 17 extracted and relayed back to the provider 18. The contents of the data shown in Figure 8 specifically relate to the three individual social graphs for user John shown in Figure 2. In addition to identifying the user whose social graph these connections pertain to, that data structure at least as mapped out in this basic demonstrative form identifies the network from which the connection is harvested, the name or other particulars of the connection themselves, as well as showing a direct connection link which would allow the proper rendering software to generate a multilevel social map, by knowing to whom in relation to the user 2 who in this case is John Smith each identified social network connection is directly connected i.e. in the tree orientation shown in Figure 2, who is the connection that is shown directly "above" the individual, on the path towards connection to John Smith. Identified in bold italics are the duplicates in the chart which would be ideally identified and removed before the rendering of consolidated social graph based on this information.

This figure does show however multiple layers in the social graph for this individual and is useful for this demonstrative purpose. While strictly speaking the directly connected social graph for John Smith is a flat or single layer map i.e. the first layer map of Figure 3, the social graph for John Smith has extended of the direct single layer social maps for other individuals within the social graph. For example referring to the social graph of Figure 1 there is shown in addition to the three node social graph of John Smith, the two node social graph of Joe and the single node social graph of Tom. The ability of the system and method to allow for the connection and exnloration of these suhlav^prs nf the. social graph of an individual, based on the social graphs of other individuals or entities within their network, is at the heart of the commercial value proposition of the system and method. This Figure, by way of demonstration however, could also be presented as three separate single layer social graphs.

Once all of the social graph datasets 17 from each relevant social network 7 in respect of the user 2 had been collected and temporarily stored in whatever type of a temporary consolidation table or database structure 19 was designed or determined for use in this function, the collected contents of the consolidation table or other data structure 1 could then be cleaned or otherwise massaged for the purpose of removing duplicates, sorting or ordering the information, and/or potentially providing whatever other data or information was necessary to at the end of the day render a consolidated social graph 10 in respect of the user 2 which took the visual appearance that was desired either by the user by a selection or by the proprietor of the system on a preset basis. Once the user 2 was finished viewing or otherwise working with the consolidated social graph 10 as was presented to them, the consolidation table or database 1 could be emptied.

An alternate approach to the collection on a temporary basis of the necessary information to prepare the consolidated social graph of the individual in question would be to actually on more of a spidering type basis or approach maintain on an ongoing basis of consolidation table or database 19 which was updated from time to time with new social mapping information in respect of the users 2 who had records stored within the user equivalence database 11. Maintaining an ongoing consolidation data structures such as this and simply spidering or updating the information therein from time to time would allow for quicker rendering of the up-to-date consolidated social graphs of users upon their indication or selection of same. Both an on-the-fly approach as well as this maintained database approach are contemplated. One of the benefits to approaching the collection of social graph datasets 17 on a periodic or agent basis for assembly into a centrally administered central consolidated dataset or database 19 which was not flushed after its use and was in fact maintained so that the consolidated social graph of users could be rendered on a quicker basis, would be that as changes to the social graphs were detected by the extraction connectors or the software components being used to administer the accession of new or revised data into the consolidated dataset 19 agent software could be used to notify the user 2 of changes in their multi-level or crossnetwork social graph or any number of other types of statistical information which was being monitored or the like could be communicated to the user's 2 on an ongoing basis if this type of approach was taken.

Cross-network connections between users:

The consolidated social graph of a user which is created by use of the system and method described herein can be used to identify crossnetwork connections between users and other individuals, and notification to either end of those connections could take place based on the identified crossnetwork connections.

At this highest conceptual level of functionality, use of the system and method of the present invention to identify crossnetwork connections between users who otherwise may not be directly aware of each other but are related in a way through multiple layers of social graphs really seems to be one of the key commercial benefits of the system and method. While user 2 will typically be aware of people who are directly linked into their social graph, one of the key benefits of this system will be that dependent upon the query are searching which is executed against the consolidated dataset 19, otherwise unseen crossnetwork connections can be uncovered and exploited.

For example, the user 2 such as John Smith whose consolidated social graph is shown in Figure 3 mav find themselves in a b^ a particular skill set ~ for example they want to find a plumber to do some work at their house and they want to find someone who is connected to them in some way through their broader social network. While they may not have a plumber directly tagged into their social graph anywhere, it may be the case that one of the members of their social graph in turn has a connection to someone who is tagged on one of their opted in social networking profiles or identities as a plumber. The plumber may only be identified as such in their user identity or profile on a social networking site to which the user 2 is not a subscriber, but to which the intermediate connection between the user and the plumber is also a subscriber.

Using an appropriate search parameter through a search engine operated on the system 18 against the consolidation database 19 or against the individual social networks 7 with the appropriate agent software 19, a list of distantly connected, via third-party social graphs, plumbers could be yielded. The fact that this plumber is connected to a presumably trusted member of the social graph of the individual who is searching for the plumber probably provides a reputational endorsement or otherwise assists the user and the plumber in making a social networking connection for the business purpose of getting the plumbing work done in the user's house. A commercial opportunity and revenue model is seen with respect to the ability to provide these types of connections in a commercial context.

Similar to this extended searching capability another option would be to provide tor an agent which users could populate with ongoing parameters of interest in terms of information or feedback to them such that they would receive notifications when particular events occurred with the end or proximate to their social graph. For example it could be programmed such that when one of the members of the consolidated crossnetwork social graph of the user became a user of an additional social networking site 7, the user would be advised. The user could also similarly be advised when individuals satisfying particular search parameters becamejomed distantly, to theuv social graph by connection with another member of their social graph or the like. The ability to reach through multiple layers of social network identities and profiles to identify otherwise unseen connections between a user as the starting point and a remote individual as the endpoint in the connection or relationship, subject to adoption and

Controlling identification of personal information:

One of the key perceived prior limitations to the ability to implement the system such as that outlined herein has been the inability of users to restrict in any way the aggregation of their personal information in the creation of consolidated social graphs. Specifically it is contemplated that to make the most of the system and method of the present invention that the user should be allowed at the individual social network level to specify restrictions or limitations on how much of their personal information will be exposed or used in the crossnetwork assembly of consolidated social graphs. It is specifically contemplated that the user upon initiating a transaction to create or modify a user network profile record 13 within the database 11 could specify different categories of information in respect of the social network 7 in respect of which the record 13 is being created which either could or could not be used by the corresponding software agent 19 of the system 18 of the present invention in assembly of the consolidation data 1 which is used to assemble the consolidated social graph of the user 2. Provision of this additional functionality, allowing the user to specify individual categories of her information or the level of granularity in information contained within an individual social network identity profile which was permissible to be aggregated by the system 18 of the present invention for the purpose of generating consolidated social graphs or otherwise conducting deep crossnetwork contact mining for the user is anticipated to be one of the key commercial benefits of the implementation of the present invention. Particularly insofar as the consolidated social graphs created by the system may be used in commercial applications, users may wish to be more sensitive about the types of information that they will permit to be aggregated into these maps. It is contemplated that the ability to stipulate specific categories of information for inclusion or exclusion from the consolidation database 19 would be implemented in a way that the user could in respect of each individual social network 7 which was supported for interaction with the system 18 of the present invention specify different levels of information disclosure. For example, a business user of this service may be more willing to disclose in their consolidated social graph deeper information from their Linkedln™ (SN1) user identity your profile, whereas they may not want to produce as much information from their personal user identity or profile on Facebook™(SN2). It is contemplated that when the each user network profile record 13 was set up or created in the user equivalence index or database 1 1, dependent upon the specific social network 7 for which that record 13 was being created, a tailored listing of information categories for inclusion or exclusion could be presented to the user and they could select the necessary settings for inclusion in their user network profile record 13, which could then be used by the software agents 19 to limit the information which would be extracted from the individual social networks 7 for incorporation into the consolidation data structure 19 for use in the preparation of the overall consolidated social graph for the user 2.

It is also conceivable that the system 18 of the present invention would wish to in some way provide the capability for users at the other end of the social graph i.e. not the user in respect of whom a social graph is prepared but another individual who is a member of that social graph, to stipulate restrictions on what if any of their personal information could be extracted into the social graph in respect of the user for consolidation. Again a software connector or interface could be created which would somehow allow these individuals to stipulate the level of information which was permissible to be incorporated -- this might be orovided in a number of different ways either by way of the. software connector directly within the social network site 7, by way of submission of a request or record directly through the website of the provider 18, or even by solicitation of this information by the software agents 19 when a set of social graph data set extractions is first performed i.e. the first time that the system seeks to extract a social graph data set from a particular social network for a user, it communicates to all of the members of that social graph that the function of aggregation of the social graph for the user is being undertaken and provides them in that way with an interface or ability to stipulate what if any restrictions should be placed on which information from the social network profiles of those individuals should be held back or incorporated into the consolidation database 19 and the consolidated social graph of the individual user 2.

Various means of effecting this type of a information capture to the user equivalence index 11 or a related table thereto will be understood by those skilled in the art of web programming and database design and any implementation which results in the ability for the user in respect of whom the social graph is to be consolidated or prepared or individuals who will be members of that consolidated social graph, wherein either case those people or users could stipulate exclusions or inclusions from their personal data in their social network identities which could or could not be included in the aggregated social graph of the user or users in question.

Referring for example to the social graph of John Smith shown in Figure 1, it could be the case that Joe or Tom wished to not have their own social networks from that particular social network site 7 disclosed for use in this type of a consolidated social graphing approach and they could with the contemplated security model here decide to exclude their social network identities are profiles from collection by the system of the present invention. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

A system for unifying user profiles on social networks, the system comprising: a website system having at least one web server and operatively connectable through a network to at least one client device; and a user equivalence database operatively connected to the website system, the user equivalence database having a memory storing a data structure comprising a plurality of user index identifiers, each user index identifier associated with a specific user and a plurality of user network profile records, each user network profile record identifying a social network wherein the website system is operative to connect to a plurality of social networking websites and obtain social graph data using the login information in the user profiles.

The system of claim 1 wherein the social graph data is used to construct a consolidated social graph indicating interconnections between a user associated with one of the user network profile records and other people interconnected to the user on the social networking websites.

The system of claim 1 wherein the website system uses an application programming interface to connect to the social networking websites.

The system of claim 1 wherein the user profile records can be altered by a user associated with the user profile record accessing the user profile record using one of the client devices. The system of claim I wherein the user network profiles further comprise limitation information indicating what information from the associated social network can be shared and wherein the social data obtained from the social networks is collected based on the limitation information.

The system of claim 5 wherein the social data obtained is limited by the limitation information.

The system of claim 5 wherein the social data obtained is identified using the limitation information.

The system of claim 1 wherein the network is the internet.

A memory for storing data for access by an application program being executed on a data processing system, the memory storing the data structure comprising: a plurality of user index identifiers, each user index identifier associated with a specific user and a plurality of user network profile records, each user network profile record identifying a social network.

The memory of claim 9 wherein each user network profile record includes login information for the associated social network.

The memory of claim 10 wherein the login information comprises authentication information for the user operative to access the identified social network.

The memory of claim 10 wherein at least one user network profile further comprises limitation information indicating what information from the associated social network can be shared. The memory of claim 12 wherein the limitation information indicates information that can be shared.

The memory of claim 12 wherein the limitation information indicates information to be excluded.

The memory of claim 10 wherein at least one of the user index identifiers is associated with a first user network profile record and a second user network profile and wherein the first user network profile includes first login information for a first social network and the second user network profile includes second login information for a second social network.

The memory of claim 10 wherein at least one of the user network profile record contains the security credentials to log into the social network associated with the at least one user network profile.

A method of unifying user profiles from a plurality of social networks, the method comprising: providing a data structure having a plurality of user index identifiers, each user index identifier associated with a specific user and a plurality of user network profile records, each user network profile record identifying a social network and log in information for the social network; identifying a specific user index identifier associated with a user; for each user network profile record associated with the user index identifier, obtaining the login information associated with the user network profile; using the login information to log in to the social network associated with the user network profile; and extracting a social graph dataset from the associated social network, the social graph dataset containing information identifying interconnections between the user associated with the specific user index identifier and other people, using the collected social graph datasets, constructing a consolidated social graph indicating the interconnections between the user and the other people in the different social networks.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the user network profiles further comprise limitation information indicating what information from the associated social network can be shared and wherein the social graph datasets are obtained based on the limitation information.

1 . The method of claim 18 wherein the social graph datasets are limited by the limitation information.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein a user is notified when their user index is used to obtain social graph datasets from the social networks.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein a user must authorize access to the social networks before the social graph datasets are obtained from the social networks.