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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Jack Schofield

How can I distribute files that self-destruct?

I have some information that I want people to pay for. Is it possible to send them a file which will print on their printer, then delete itself afterwards? Jim Woods

There are several server-based systems that allow you to distribute information in Adobe PDFs (portable document files) and then control how they are used. They are suitable for governments and large companies, but probably too expensive for simpler applications. LockLizard's Lizard Safeguard, for example, costs $2,495 (£1,237) a year while FileOpen costs $2,995 a year.

An alternative might be to provide restricted access to a website, and readers may be able to suggest other solutions. However, bear in mind that people can grab screen images, and once files are printed they can be photocopied and either retyped or scanned.

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