User model on a key

Provision of personalized services to users requires accurate modeling of their interests and needs. However, such information may not be available to the service provider. Previously suggested solutions, such as user modeling servers and user modeling mediation demonstrate technological possible solution to the problem. However, at the same time they introduce privacy problem. This paper proposes a general framework for enhancing the privacy of user modeling in personalization systems by keeping the user "in control" of his/her personal information. The User Model on a Key that combined a user modeling server and mediation mechanism will allow the user to explicitly select what information to disclose to service provider and to do that at the right format.