An electronic system includes a user transaction device that provides a device
identifier when coupled to a transaction terminal. The transaction terminal is
configured to indicate that a transaction is to be performed when coupled to the
user transaction device. The electronic system also includes a transaction privacy
clearinghouse (TPCH), coupled selectively to the user transaction device when a
transaction is to be performed. The TPCH is coupled to receive the device identifier
and accessible data. Additionally, the accessible data is to be stored in a public
storage area of a memory storage device that can be communicatively coupled to
the user transaction device. The TPCH authorizes a transaction based upon the device
identifier and the accessible data that includes account information of a user
that is authorized to use the user transaction device. Moreover, a transaction
is authorized without providing the identity of the user to the transaction terminal.
The memory storage device also includes a private storage area for storage of confidential
data such that the private storage area is to be encrypted with a key that is to
be stored in the user transaction device.