A method for execution by a storage unit includes receiving, from an intent processing entity (IPE) via a network, a request to access at least one slice corresponding to an intent. An access query is transmitted to an access control system that includes an intent resource identifier (IRI) associated with the intent and an IPE identifier associated with the IPE. A query response, generated by the access control system based on the IRI and the IPE identifier of the access query, is received from the access control system. The request is executed when the query response indicates that permission to process the intent is granted to the IPE.