Abstract: A method is presented to geographically control the distribution of protected data and ensure that it is not transmitted along any path which would encompass prohibited areas. A user wanting to so protect data can input geographic restrictions which are translated into geodeclaration metadata representing one or more geographic areas in which the data is either permitted or prohibited. The metadata may be in the form of an XML statement, and is sealed with the data using a digital certificate. When the data is received at a network router or at a destination device, the router/device can check its own current location (e.g., via GPS) and determine whether its location is within permissible boundaries. If not, the data is not transmitted or stored, and an error message is returned. If the router/device determines that it is within permissible boundaries, it proceeds to transmit or store the data.

Abstract: A method is presented to geographically control the distribution of protected data and ensure that it is not transmitted along any path which would encompass prohibited areas. A user wanting to so protect data can input geographic restrictions which are translated into geodeclaration metadata representing one or more geographic areas in which the data is either permitted or prohibited. The metadata may be in the form of an XML statement, and is sealed with the data using a digital certificate. When the data is received at a network router or at a destination device, the router/device can check its own current location (e.g., via GPS) and determine whether its location is within permissible boundaries. If not, the data is not transmitted or stored, and an error message is returned. If the router/device determines that it is within permissible boundaries, it proceeds to transmit or store the data.