Abstract: In an image distribution system, an image information reader reads image information regarding first image data. An image data output request sending unit sends an output request to a management server regarding the image data for which a selection input was received. An output permission/denial notification receiving unit receives a notification from the management server regarding whether output of the image data for which the selection input was received is permitted. An output destination unit determines where the output of the image data is permitted, whether or not the output destination for the image data is a specific image forming apparatus. When the output destination apparatus for the image data is a specific image forming apparatus, an image data decoder decodes image data for which selection input was received and obtains second image data. An image data sending unit sends the second image data to a specific image forming apparatus.