An image processing apparatus comprising: a processor configured to: in a case of printing data to be printed, perform masking processing on a predetermined concealed portion according to a predetermined access policy; and perform a process of embedding and outputting inquiry information for inquiring about the concealed portion in the data to which the masking processing has been performed, the image processing apparatus being characterized in that the inquiry information includes data identification information for identifying the data and access policy identification information for identifying the access policy, the access policy being decided by a single resource, mutual relationships between resources, and an accessing entity; and that the processor is configured to: acquire the inquiry information from a reading result of a printed matter on which the inquiry information is printed, acquire a current access policy by using the access policy identification information, and restore and display the concealed portion of the data corresponding to the data identification information according to the current access policy. a processor configured to: in a case of printing data to be printed, perform masking processing on a predetermined concealed portion according to a predetermined access policy; and perform a process of embedding and outputting inquiry information for inquiring about the concealed portion in the data to which the masking processing has been performed, the image processing apparatus being characterized in that the inquiry information includes data identification information for identifying the data and access policy identification information for identifying the access policy, the access policy being decided by a single resource, mutual relationships between resources, and an accessing entity; and that the processor is configured to: acquire the inquiry information from a reading result of a printed matter on which the inquiry information is printed, acquire a current access policy by using the access policy identification information, and restore and display the concealed portion of the data corresponding to the data identification information according to the current access policy. in a case of printing data to be printed, perform masking processing on a predetermined concealed portion according to a predetermined access policy; and perform a process of embedding and outputting inquiry information for inquiring about the concealed portion in the data to which the masking processing has been performed, the image processing apparatus being characterized in that the inquiry information includes data identification information for identifying the data and access policy identification information for identifying the access policy, the access policy being decided by a single resource, mutual relationships between resources, and an accessing entity; and that the processor is configured to: acquire the inquiry information from a reading result of a printed matter on which the inquiry information is printed, acquire a current access policy by using the access policy identification information, and restore and display the concealed portion of the data corresponding to the data identification information according to the current access policy. acquire the inquiry information from a reading result of a printed matter on which the inquiry information is printed, acquire a current access policy by using the access policy identification information, and restore and display the concealed portion of the data corresponding to the data identification information according to the current access policy. <EOS>