lynx-dev LYNX: Short blurb about "self-destructing files [web pages]" HUH?

[David Combs]

Here's a blurb from that acm-news-list:

     * "This File Will Self-Destruct-Now!"
       Interactive Week (04/03/00) Vol. 7, No. 13, P. 50; Spangler, Todd
       A new wave of products can now limit access to proprietary
       business-to-business information sent over the Internet. Several
       companies, such as Authentica, produce software that allows a
       sender to limit access to a file based on the recipient's
       identity, also converting the file so it cannot be copied,
       forwarded, or printed. The software enables the user to select a
       specific time that the document will self destruct. For example,
       Authentica's PageVault allows the sender to set the access level
       of a particular document, listing who can read it and what
       functions, such as forwarding, they are allowed to perform. The
       Authentica server software then digests this information, and
       sends the document to the recipient, who must log on to
       Authentica before viewing the document. Authentica's WebVault
       requires the same check-in process for HTML Pages, and its
       Mail-Vault product protects email messages. This new type of
       software has also created a new business niche for other
       companies. Authentica is currently working with 1ClickCharge to
       form an information-rental business. Authentica competitor
       Infraworks is currently testing its InTether software, which it
       says is the most comprehensive data-erasing program available.




What in the world are they talking about?

If, via lynx (or any other browser?), you can SEE the page
or text on the screen, how can they possibly stop you
from hitting "p" and saving to a file, and then doing
whatever you please WITH it?

Or just a scam trying to do an IPO to a bunch of idiots?

David