1. A method, comprising: receiving, from an initiating user, a message with information identifying a target user, wherein the message requests contact information of the target user; accessing a data store of directory information to identify communication channel information of the target user; accessing one or more privacy settings of the target user; if the privacy settings of the target user allow access to the communication channel information, returning the communication channel information to the initiating user; otherwise if the privacy settings allow for anonymous communication sessions, establishing an anonymous communication session with the target user; in association with the anonymous communication session, allowing the target user to create a contact association with the initiating user; and creating the contact association between the target user and the initiating user, responsive to an indication received from the target user.