"FAU Invention for Privacy of Sharing Files Online Gets U.S. Patent"
Advancement has been made in secure online file-sharing by a scientist from Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) College of Engineering and Computer Science. Hari Kalva, Ph.D., inventor, associate chair, and professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new invention that can help users control how and when shared documents are displayed. Those who share documents online have little control over who views the information being sent and where it is being viewed, which presents a problem for sharing pictures online and when organizations share confidential documents with employees and other parties. Kalva's technology offers new control mechanisms for limiting the capture of information displayed on screens using an external device such as a camera. The system can restrict an individual from viewing documents based on their individual identity, their social network, and where and when the document is being viewed. Messages are encrypted with viewing restrictions with this new technology. The technology links social media accounts to the software to identify who should be given access. Senders can decide how many people can view the message by using the receiver's camera. If the correct amount of people are present, automatic access is granted. If more people are present, those individuals must ask the sender for permission to be granted access. The application software can use biometrics, such as fingerprints, to determine who is attempting to view the message. It also uses GPS, IP address, or cell tower location to identify the receiver's current location. The message can only be shown when the receiver's location matches the location specified in the sender's restrictions. This novel technology will empower users to protect sensitive information sent online and ensure that only the intended audience can view the information sent. This article continues to discuss the capabilities of the new invention that improves the privacy and security of online file-sharing.
FAU reports "FAU Invention for Privacy of Sharing Files Online Gets U.S. Patent"