Abstract: Trusted and/or secure communication in transactions between objects or users in a computer network, which do not require imposition of an overseeing authority or system, but wherein security measures are agreed between the parties, leading to a legally enforceable agreement, the process of agreement comprising the formation of a relationship between the first and second objects, by exchanging preferably identity data with the other to a mutually satisfactory degree, the identity data including reference identity data, and the network optionally including one or more audit mechanisms for providing independent verification of the reference items, agreeing data safeguarding procedures to be carried out, and providing a configuration file which regulates transactions between the users and which specifies the conditions under which communication transactions may take place between the users, the degree of identity data to be exchanged, the identity reference data required, and the type and amount of data safeguard