A computer platform (100) uses a tamper-proof component (120), or "trusted
module", of a computer platform in conjunction with software, preferably
running within the tamper-proof component, that controls the uploading
and usage of data on the platform as a generic dongle for that platform.
Licensing checks can occur within a trusted environment (in other words,
an environment which can be trusted to behave as the user expects); this
can be enforced by integrity checking of the uploading and
license-checking software. Metering records can be stored in the
tamper-proof device and reported back to administrators as required.
There can be an associated clearinghouse mechanism to enable registration
and payment for data.