A network apparatus communicates a recorded message from a calling party to a called party. A messaging controller accepts commands from the calling party and plays and records digital media including the recorded message. An encryption encoder/packager is coupled to the message controller for encrypting the recorded message in response to an encryption key and for packaging the encrypted recorded message with an identifier to produce a protected message file. A notification system sends a notification message for the called party to announce the protected message file. A message distributor delivers the protected message file to the called party when requested by the called party. A license server maintains the encryption key and the identifier and responds to a validated request for a license from the called party, wherein the validated request includes the identifier, and wherein the license includes a decryption key for accessing the protected message file.