Systems and methods for controlling distribution, copying, and viewing of remote data

摘要

Systems, methods, software, computer implemented methods, and file formats that allow for the creator of a file to place constraints on a file prior to transmitting it which generally allow the owner to have greater control over the use of their data after it has left their possession. These systems and methods also allow for ongoing control of digital data which allow for a sender to delete files that have been sent, to delete copies, and to generally control data that has left their private machine through the use of multi-layer encryption.

主权项

1. A method for creating an encrypted computer file, the method comprising:
providing a source file to a sending component on a first computer; said sending component attaching metadata to said source file where said metadata identifies specifics about how said source file may be used; said sending component encrypting said source file using a first key; said sending component encrypting said metadata using a second key, different from said first key; said sending component combining said encrypted source file, said encrypted metadata file, said first key, and said second key into a secure file in accordance with an algorithm, which mixes components of said encrypted source file, said metadata file, said first key, and said second key together; and transmitting said secure file with a wrapper file which includes a location of said first key, a location of said second key, and which records at least one aspect of a transmission of said secure file; wherein, when said metadata file is decrypted by a receiving component using said second key, if said specifics of how said source file may be used are not met, said receiving component does not retrieve said first key from said source file; and wherein said retrieving component deletes the location of the first key from said wrapper file.