System and method for managing trusted relationships in communication sessions using a graphical metaphor

A system for linking participants in a communication session, the system comprising:

• a processor;
• a first module controlling the processor to present a set of connected graphical elements on a graphical user interface (GUI) representing a structure of the communication session and a trusted relationship between a first participant and any second participant in the communication session;
• a second module controlling the processor to establish a bidirectional link between the first participant and the second participant, wherein the communication device exchanges trusted information between the first participant and the second participant;
• and
• a third module controlling the processor to display a depiction of the bidirectional link to at least one participant in the communication session.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to link participants in a communication session, the instructions comprising:

• presenting a set of connected graphical elements on a graphical user interface (GUI) representing a structure of the communication session and a trusted relationship between a first participant and a second participant in the communication session;
• establishing a bidirectional link between the first participant and the second participant, wherein the communication device exchanges trusted information between the first participant and the second participant;
• and
• displaying a depiction of the bidirectional link to at least one participant in the communication session.