Abstract: A method is provided for separating people from direct access to personally identifiable information. The method involves use of a rules-based section which selectively blocks access to personally identifiable information where the access fails to comply with specified rules, and which selectively permits access to personally identifiable information where the access abides with the specified rules.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a technique for effecting payment, and involves: presenting a portable device; and causing the portable device to output a pseudo payment code.

Abstract: An electronic device is configured for use by a user who is a natural person, and has a network port through which the user can access an electronic network. The device can receive through the network port an information request intended for presentation to the user, the information request including a request for an actual identifier associated with the user. The device can respond to the information request in a manner that includes activating within the device a manager portion thereof that facilitates providing the information request with a pseudo identifier in place of the actual identifier.