Accessing information on a network using an extended network universal resource locator

Abstract

To facilitate access to information on a network, an extended network universal resource locator is generated. The generated extended network universal resource locator has (i) a network address, such as an Internet URL, at which stored information, such as detailed bill information, can be accessed on a network, (ii) identity information associated with a first network entity and an integrity value corresponding to the identity information, and (iii) voucher information indicating that a third network entity has authenticated the first network entity and that transmission of the extended network universal resource locator by the third network entity to the first network entity occurred at a particular time. The identity information could, for example, include an identification of the stored information and an account number associated with the first network entity. The integrity value could, for example, be a hash of the identity information. The identity information and the integrity value are encrypted with a first crypto-key of a second network entity. The voucher information is encrypted with a second crypto-key of the third network entity. The transmission time information is preferably a timestamp. The extended network universal resource locator is transmitted via the network to facilitate access, by the first entity, to the information stored at the network address.