Abstract: A system adapted to manage user access to media content is described. The system includes: a communication module adapted to receive a user request to access content; a verification engine communicatively coupled to the communication module, the verification engine adapted to provide a query to a user and receive an associated response; and a content gateway communicatively coupled to the verification engine and the communication module, the content gateway adapted to provide content to the user if the verification engine determines that the response satisfies the query. An automated method adapted to control user access to web-based content includes: identifying a user interaction; providing a branding request; receiving a response to the request; and providing access to the content if the response matches a set of evaluation criteria. A graphical user interface (GUI) allows efficient implementation of the automated method and use of the system.