1. A method for securely sending an item represented in digital form, the method performed by a computer system comprising a processor and a memory encoded with program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the method, the method comprising the steps of: authenticating a sending person's identity, the sending person desiring to send the item to an intended recipient; securely associating one or more controls with a secure digital object containing the item, the one or more controls specifying one or more permissions and/or restrictions relating to use of the item; securely associating routing information with the secure digital object, wherein the routing information includes identity information relating to one or more previous recipients of the item, and wherein application of at least one of the one or more controls to govern a use of the item is based at least in part on the routing information; and sending the secure digital object, the routing information, and the one or more controls to the intended recipient.