Also known as "social filtering" and "social information filtering," it refers to techniques that identify information a user might be interested in. There are different kinds of algorithms used, but the basic principle is to develop a rating system for matching incoming material. "Collaborative" means that a group of people interested in the subject define their preferences in order to set up the system. Collaborative filtering is used to create "recommendation systems" that can, for example, enhance your experience on a Web site by suggesting music or movies that you might like. See collaborative software and music recommendation service.

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