A privacy-preserving reputation system with user rewards. (15th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Busom, N.; Petrlic, R.; Sebé, F.; Sorge, C.; Valls, M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of network and computer applications. Volume 80(2017)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2017-02-15
• Subjects: Reputation system -- Reputation management -- Anonymity -- Privacy; Microcomputers -- Periodicals; Computer networks -- Periodicals; Application software -- Periodicals; Micro-ordinateurs -- Périodiques; Réseaux d'ordinateurs -- Périodiques; Logiciels d'application -- Périodiques; Application software; Computer networks; Microcomputers; Periodicals; 004.05; 004
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnca.2016.12.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1084-8045

Abstract

Abstract: Reputation systems are useful to assess the trustworthiness of potential transaction partners, but also a potential threat to privacy since rating profiles reveal users' preferences. Anonymous reputation systems resolve this issue, but make it difficult to assess the trustworthiness of a rating. We introduce a privacy-preserving reputation system that enables anonymous ratings while making sure that only authorized users can issue ratings. In addition, ratings can be endorsed by other users. A user who has received a pre-defined number of endorsements can prove this fact, and be rewarded e.g. by receiving a "Premium member" status. The system is based on advanced cryptographic primitives such as Chaum-Pedersen blind signatures, verifiable secret sharing and oblivious transfer.