Peer node selection in a peer to peer communication network

A peer node for use in a peer to peer network, the peer node comprising:

• a transmitter operable to send a request for geographical location information relating to a plurality of target peer nodes, wherein the transmitter is arranged to send the request for geographical location information to each target peer node of the plurality of target peer nodes;
• a receiver operable to receive geographical location information for each target peer node of the plurality of target peer nodes, wherein the receiver is arranged to receive geographical location information from each target peer node of the plurality of target peer nodes;
• and
• a processor operable to select ones of the plurality of target peer nodes based on respective levels of trust associated with the received geographical location information therefor, create a circle of trust including the ones of the plurality of target peer nodes, and limit content and/or services with regard to the ones of the plurality of target peer nodes included in the circle of trust based on respective legislative regions associated therewith.

A target peer node for use in a peer to peer communication network, the target peer node comprising;

• a receiver operable to receive from a requesting peer node a request for geographical location information relating to the target peer node;
• and
• a transmitter operable to send a response to the request, the response including geographical location information that is indicative of a level of trust relating to the target peer node,
• wherein the target peer node is selected from among a plurality of target peer nodes and included in a circle of trust based on the level of trust associated with the geographical location information therefor, and wherein content and/or services are limited to ones of the plurality of target peer nodes included in the circle of trust based on respective legislative regions associated therewith.