The content of video recordings is to remain protected as an "industrial secret" or as an "official document" even when crossing international borders. Video documents must also be protected against unauthorised copying. Unauthorised viewing of video documents by unauthorised persons must also be reliably prevented in the business world. The system described here meets all these requirements and proposes a techno-global complete system which can be internationally harmonised and can thus be put to use worldwide for the benefit of everyone.