Near field communication based key control service

A computer system, comprising:

• a communication interface configured to enable communication through a network;
• a processor coupled to the interface;
• a memory accessible to the processor;
• and
• programming stored in the memory, wherein execution of the programming by the processor configures the computer system to perform functions, including functions to:
• receive, via the network and the communication interface from a first communication device, a message indicating an attempted use of a physical key equipped with a second communication device that is configured to communicate with the first communication device when the second communication device is within a predetermined proximity of the first communication device, the message including information identifying the physical key and information related to the attempted use detected by the first device;
• determine whether or not the attempted use of the physical key has been restricted by a primary user or owner of the physical key, based on the information included within the received message;
• and
• when the attempted use is determined to be a restricted use of the physical key, transmitting, to a computing device of the primary user via the network, a message notifying the primary user or owner of the restricted use.