1. A method for securely sending an item represented in digital form, 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; and sending the secure digital object and the one or more controls to the intended recipient.