A method of certifying the existence of electronic information released on
a network at a time and date. The network connects one or more computer
servers and a plurality of client computers with each other. Electronic
information of a web page stored in one of the plurality of client
computers is accessed using information of its location from one of the
computer servers based on a request from one of the client computers. A
copy of the electronic information is then obtained. Attribute
information is generated from the location, access time, and date when
the electronic information is accessed. An electronic certificate may be
generated by uniquely specifying the electronic information and the
attribute information as inherent information identifying the electronic
information. The copy of the electronic information is stored in a memory
by tying up the electronic information with the electronic certificate
and the attribute information. At least the electronic certificate, the
attribute information, and preferably the copy of the electronic
information can also be read and provided from the memory to the one of
the client computers or its operator as a requester.