Tracking marked documents

摘要

When data is stored on a computer, or subsequently, originator preferences relating to the data are stored in a database, for example in a network. When another user subsequently makes a request for processing of the received data, or a modified copy of the data, it is determined whether the requested processing is consistent with any stored originator preferences, and the requested processing is permitted only if it is consistent with the stored originator preferences. The preferences may relate to saving, copying or retransmitting the data. The originator may be notified of any processing operations that are carried out.

主权项

1. A method of controlling data processing, the method comprising:
transmitting a message from an originating user to a recipient; receiving one or more originator preferences relating to data transmitted in the message, wherein the originator preferences have been input by the originating user and the originator preferences are configured to restrict one or more requesting users' processing of the data; forming a data digest of the data, wherein the data digest comprises storage requirements that are less than or equal to the data; storing, separate from the data, the originator preferences and the data digest; in response to receiving a request from a requesting user to process a file that includes file data:
forming a file digest of the file data, wherein the file digest comprises storage requirements that are less than or equal to the file data;comparing the file digest to the data digest to identify whether the file data satisfies a test for similarity with the data; and in response to determining that the file data satisfies the test:
determining an identity of the requesting user;determining from the originator preferences whether the requesting user has been restricted from processing the data by the originator preferences; andpermitting the requesting user to process the file data only if the requesting user's requested processing is permitted by the originator preferences.