Abstract: An improved network-based system and network implemented method of distributing and controlling the release of an encapsulated content. The system comprising an archive creation tool configured to create a self-extractable archive comprising an encrypted content, distribution means adapted to distribute the archive to one or more users and a server arranged to remotely control a timed release of the content from each distributed archive by providing a decryption key in response to a key request received on or after a predetermined date and time. In this way, a publisher of the archive can control access to a content even after the archive has been distributed to one or more users. Due to executable functionality within the archive, an additional content, such as advertisements, multimedia files or other documents, can be presented to a user in response to extraction of the archive, without the need for client-based extraction software.