A system and method for transferring an encrypted file over the Internet involves a seller, a buyer, and a transaction agent. The file has a first part (administrative information) and a second part (subject-matter content) that are respectively encrypted with first and second encryption/decryption non-public keys. In operation, the appropriate key is released by the seller or the transaction agent for respective use by either the transaction agent or the buyer, to decrypt and reveal the second part of the file to the buyer.