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IBM Corporation, the global technology firm, has made quite a few moves with several blockchain projects and partnerships across different industries and sectors. Now, the tech giant has filed an official patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), for a blockchain-based web browser.
According to the application filed on the 6th of August, the browser will be based on a peer-to-peer network. The filing suggests that the browser will collect some specific data from browsing sessions and will then move said information through several nodes, for storage on the blockchain.
The publication also states the kind of information the new browser is to collect and store. Some of these include site history, geolocation, security patches, cookies, specific tabs, access method (web or mobile) and a few others. This information and many more can be transferred to the blockchain as it is being gathered.
The system will also allow a verified user to easily access any and all of the information that has been stored on the blockchain, from any device, anywhere in the world. This will be especially useful in the event that a user’s computer is breached as the said user would not have to worry about any loss.
The application also mentions an enhancement on security that sees authorization being ensured via a token system. These tokens would also range in their capacity, to ensure specific usage in different use cases. IBM then further allays any fears of data breaches or privacy in the patent. Regardless of the nature of the web browser – allowing potentially sensitive data to be transmitted – the filing suggests that advanced scan detection will be run perpetually. IBM also suggests that artificial intelligence (AI), may be applied.
The text of the patent reads:
“The detection or prediction of a privacy or security breach may be based on real-time advanced vulnerability scanning and malicious intent detection algorithms (including learning based methods).”
It also adds that all information including limitations of privacy will directly be decided by the user and no other parties. According to it, “…the present invention affords a system for storing browsing information such that privacy is preserved and places privacy in the “hands of a user” rather than a third party.”
IBM’S Blockchain Endeavours
IBM is no stranger to the blockchain sector and has repeatedly supported several related projects in the past. Months ago, the Volkswagen Group announced that it would be using a new permissioned platform powered by IBM’s Blockchain, to effectively track and improve on its supply chain.
Also, a few days ago, a partnership between IBM and a blockchain company, Chainyard, was announced. This was also to increase supply chain management with the creation of a network called Trust Your Supplier. The network comprises other big firms including Nokia, Lenovo, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Vodafone, GlaxoSmithKline, Cisco and Schneider Electric.