Abstract: Spaces between words in a web document may be identified and replaced with at least one random character in order to deter users from copying the web document. Random characters may also be inserted within words in the web document. The random characters are invisible when the user views the web document through a browser but visible when the user attempts to select, copy, or print the web document. The random characters may be of the same color as the background color of the web document. To further deter the user, the mouse, menu, and/or keyboard functions on the user computer may be disabled. To prevent the user from viewing the source code of the web document, the source code may also be encrypted. A small tracking image having a unique identification number may be added to the web document to allow an owner of the web document to trace unauthorized use of the web document on another web site.