Importance

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Abstract

A regulatory system for a distributed system of computers in which authorized data files are marked with an indicia. The granting of the indicia is made by a variety of authorizing entities such as Internet Service Providers and governmental entities. The indicia acts as a 'stamp' which is used to grant/deny passage of the data files to selected users. In practice, using the Internet as an example, data providers obtain the 'stamp' from a regulating entity (i.e. the state government). The 'stamp' is affixed to the data file. When the data is being transferred over the Internet, the access providing computer (which acts as an interface between a user's computer and the Internet) checks for the 'stamp' and sends an inquiry via the Internet to the regulating entity's computer where the 'stamp' is check for authenticity. Based upon the authenticity of the 'stamp', the access providing computer passes the data to the user computer. In this manner, the regulatory entity is able to monitor and control subject matter over the distributed network of computers.

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First Claim