Abstract: A secure electronic entity, adapted to store at least one object, includes a unit for measuring the passage of time as from a reference date associated with the object. It includes a unit for storing a life span assigned to the object co-operating with the time measuring unit so as to compare the time elapsed and the life span. It further includes an updating and invalidating unit, to update the object life span or to temporarily or permanently disable the object if the comparison shows that the time elapsed exceeds the life span. The invention is in particular applicable to smart cards.

Abstract: The invention concerns a secure electronic entity (11), adapted to store at least one object, comprising a unit (18) for measuring the passage of time as from a reference date (Dref) associated with said object. It comprises a unit (19) for storing a life span (V) assigned to said object co-operating with the time measuring unit (18) so as to compare the time elapsed and the life span (V). It further comprises an updating and invalidating unit (21), to update the object life span or to temporarily or permanently disable the object if the comparison shows that the time elapsed exceeds the life span (V). The invention is in particular applicable to smart cards.