Abstract: Example methods and apparatus are disclosed for maintaining a shared identity profile. An example method includes receiving, at a first online service provider, a plurality of profile information items from a user and storing, by the first online service provider, the profile information items in an identity profile associated with the user. In the example method, at least one of the profile information items includes user identifying information that is capable of verification. The example method also includes verifying, by the first online service provider, the user identifying information and storing, by the first online service provider, as part of the identity profile, a verification status corresponding with the verifying.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems are described for online-content management. Online content from multiple contributors is received at one or more first computers for public online display. An authentication score is determined for a contributor of the multiple contributors. The contributor's name and a representation of the contributor's authentication score is published online for display on one or more second computers in association with the online content received from the contributor.

Abstract: Example embodiments of methods and apparatus for challenging an online user. In an example embodiment, a method includes receiving, at an online service provider, a request from a user to access one or more features of an online service running on a host server and also receiving an indication of a geography associated with the user. The example method further includes sending, to the user, information associated with the indicated geography in combination with information not associated with the indicated geography and a request that the user select the information associated with the indicated geography from the combined information or select the information not associated with the indicated geography from the combined information. The example method still further includes receiving, at the online service provider, a selection from the user and, in the event the selection correctly corresponds with the request, allowing the user access to the one or more features.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems are described for online-content management. Online content from multiple contributors is received at one or more first computers for public online display. An authentication score is determined for a contributor of the multiple contributors. The contributor's name and a representation of the contributor's authentication score is published online for display on one or more second computers in association with the online content received from the contributor.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems are described for online-content management. Online content from multiple contributors is received at one or more first computers for public online display. An authentication score is determined for a contributor of the multiple contributors. The contributor's name and a representation of the contributor's authentication score is published online for display on one or more second computers in association with the online content received from the contributor.

Abstract: Example embodiments of methods and apparatus for challenging an online user. In an example embodiment, a method includes receiving, at an online service provider, a request from a user to access one or more features of an online service running on a host server and also receiving an indication of a geography associated with the user. The example method further includes sending, to the user, information associated with the indicated geography in combination with information not associated with the indicated geography and a request that the user select the information associated with the indicated geography from the combined information or select the information not associated with the indicated geography from the combined information. The example method still further includes receiving, at the online service provider, a selection from the user and, in the event the selection correctly corresponds with the request, allowing the user access to the one or more features.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus are disclosed for maintaining a shared identity profile. An example method includes receiving, at a first online service provider, a plurality of profile information items from a user and storing, by the first online service provider, the profile information items in an identity profile associated with the user. In the example method, at least one of the profile information items includes user identifying information that is capable of verification. The example method also includes verifying, by the first online service provider, the user identifying information and storing, by the first online service provider, as part of the identity profile, a verification status corresponding with the verifying.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting user identity verification are disclosed. An example method includes requesting, from a user, a name and user identifying information associated with the provided name. The example method also includes querying a trusted database based on the provided name and the user identifying information and determining if a match exists in the database between the provided name and the user identifying information. In the event a match exists, the example method includes presenting a challenge to the user, the challenge being based on the user identifying information and determining a verification status of the user's identity based on a result of the challenge. The example method further includes designating the user's identity as verified or unverified in accordance with the verification status.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems are described for online-content management. Online content from multiple contributors is received at one or more first computers for public online display. An authentication score is determined for a contributor of the multiple contributors. The contributor's name and a representation of the contributor's authentication score is published online for display on one or more second computers in association with the online content received from the contributor.