Abstract: A method of embedding a message vector (m) in a data set. The method is domain independent and comprises the steps of (I) performing a transformation (W) on a first data set (x) to produce a second data set (S), the second data set (S) consisting of a plurality of statistically mutually independent components (independent sources), (ii) selecting from the second data set (S) a subset of data components (V) which constitutes an embedding space (feature space) in which the message vector (V) is to be embedded, (iii) modifying the data subset (V) in a predetermined manner according to the message vector (m) to be embedded, whereby to embed the message vector (m) in the second data set (S), and (iv) performing a reverse transformation (A) on the second data set having the message vector embedded therein (?) to reproduce the first data set now having the message embedded therein (x, watermarked text).