SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROIVIDING AND COMMERCIALLY EXPLOITING ONLINE PERSONA VALIDATION

Systems and methods for providing and commercially exploiting online persona validation are presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an online persona validation framework suitable for mass adoption is presented. In addition, systems and methods to leverage such framework to create and exploit transactional opportunities, such as, for example, targeted marketing, trend spotting and tracking, and granular data mining, are also presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, tiered (i.e., comprising various levels of financial, demographic, lifestyle and other information), opt-in identity validation systems and various methods that authenticate an individual in e-commerce, social networks, job searches and the like, can be implemented. In addition, such exemplary systems and methods can identify precise, granular, and hence, valuable, demographics for advertisers. In comparison to conventional Internet based services, exemplary systems according to the present invention can provide multi-use Internet-wide trusted persona validation, micro-segment targeted ads and offers, and real time, location based, channel integrated ads and offers. The present invention accordingly comprises the various steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the system embodies features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts that are adapted to effect and implement such steps.