An image forming apparatus which accepts a job that includes image data and requires image formation on the basis of the image data, and which carries out image formation by carrying out a job that has been accepted is provided with: a means for determining whether or not the confidentiality of image data that is included in a job that has been accepted should be protected; a means for determining whether or not a process for protecting the confidentiality of the above described image data can be implemented, in the case where it has been determined that the confidentiality should be protected; and a means for reporting, in the case where it has been determined that the above described process cannot be implemented, to that effect.