Every time you listen to music on your iPod, watch a movie on your laptop or read an e-book on your Kindle, you’re using something that’s been made possible by digital rights management (DRM). But what is DRM, and how does it work?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at digital rights management and explore some of the key issues surrounding it.
Digital rights management (DRM) is a framework, implemented through technology and policy, designed to protect copyrighted works. DRM systems generally necessitate the authentication of users before they can access the content. This, in addition to, controlling the users’ level of access to said material.
This ranges from full-fledged access rights for a specified user with a valid authorization code, all the way down to limited or no access for unauthorized users. By implementing Digital RIghts Management, publishers, and content owners have sought to ensure that rights holders are compensated fairly for their intellectual property. The increasingly sophisticated nature of digital rights management provides a reliable way for buyers to purchase and utilize media securely, confident that their purchased products have genuine external and internal means of protection from unauthorized redistribution.
How does Digital Rights Management (DRM) work?
DRM is a complex technology that offers digital content publishers some control over their digital assets. To do this, the digital files are encrypted, and then regulations governing their use are established. Digital Rights Management ensures that digital information is secure and that only those who are authorized to see it can see it. This safeguards copyright holders’ rights and ensures that their intellectual property is not used without their permission.
DRM technology is used in a variety of industries, including entertainment, software, and gaming. DRM is used by music companies, for example, to prevent people from copying and sharing audio files without their permission.
Similarly, game developers use DRM to prevent users from copying and playing their games without paying for the right to do so.
DRM technology also evolves to meet digital content industry needs. DRM systems get smarter at preventing digital theft and distribution as technology progresses. DRM technology is also being developed to preserve user privacy and prevent unauthorized use of personal data.
