Data and data lineage control, tracking, and verification

This invention describes a system for tracking data as it moves between different organizations or systems. When data is first created, it's placed in a digital container along with rules for its use and a unique digital signature. As the data is passed to other parties, each party creates its own container around the received data, potentially adding or changing information, and applies its own digital signature, creating a verifiable chain of custody. This allows anyone to trace the data's history and verify its integrity at any point.