Abstract: A data management system (1) for securely managing data transactions comprises a computing system which incorporates, a public key distribution system, a trusted storage system which is in communication with the public key distribution system, the trusted storage system being configured to store a record for each respective party using the system, each record comprising a unique identifier and a public key for a respective party using the system. The system (1) comprises a verification system which is configured to check the identity of a party seeking to participate in a transaction involving an exchange of data. If the verification system is not able to verify the identity of the party seeking to participate in the transaction, the verification system prevents the transaction from being carried out.