Method and system for securing user identities and creating virtual users to enhance privacy on a communication network

Abstract

A method of enabling a real entity to access a service on a communication network using a virtual entity, the method including the steps of establishing a user account including at least first data corresponding to the identity of the real entity and second data corresponding to the virtual entity and not identifying the real entity, storing the first and second data in a first database, linking between the first and second data in the first database, storing the second data at a second database, associating the second database with a communication network site, connecting the communication network site to the communication network, receiving the second data from an unidentified user on the communication network site, identifying the unidentified user as the virtual entity based on receiving the second data, and allowing the virtual entity to access the service.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a first information source having stored therein real billing information corresponding to a real transaction account of a real entity;   a second information source having stored therein billing information of a virtual transaction account assigned to the real entity for use at one or more sites of a communication network, wherein the billing information of the virtual transaction account is not linkable over said communication network to the real billing information of the real entity; and   a server to receive the billing information of said virtual transaction account from said second information source over said communication network, to authorize a transaction of real monetary value based on the billing information of the virtual transaction account, and to adjust a balance of the real transaction account of the real entity in accordance with the value of said transaction of real monetary value.