Digital Rights Management

ALL 0-9 $A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ownership • legacy • access control • sovereignty

Digital Rights Management (DRM) refers to the set of access control technologies and licensing systems used to restrict how digital media and content can be used, copied, or distributed. Commonly applied to music, video, eBooks, and software, DRM is designed to protect intellectual property rights, enforce licensing terms, and reduce piracy. However, it often draws criticism for limiting user freedoms and creating walled-garden ecosystems.

Use Case: A publisher embeds DRM into an eBook to prevent it from being printed, copied, or transferred to unauthorized devices — ensuring content can only be accessed by the buyer within a specific platform or app.

Key Concepts:

Access Control & Licensing — Rules that govern how digital content can be used.
Content Protection — Encryption and restrictions to prevent piracy or duplication.
Ownership vs. Access Debate — The tension between consumer rights and platform rules.
DRM-Free Movements & Open Standards — Push for user-friendly, interoperable content.

Feature	With DRM	Without DRM
User Ownership	Access limited by platform rules	Full control of file and usage
Device Flexibility	Restricted to approved devices	Playable on any compatible device
Content Sharing	Often prohibited or disabled	Allowed under fair use
Long-Term Access	Dependent on platform availability	Permanent, transferable file

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