DRM systems control who accesses and uses digital content. Most people have probably come across one, perhaps without even realising it, thanks to the growing popularity of online streaming and gaming. When streaming platforms limit the number of devices per account, or when games companies require users to input a product key before playing, that is a DRM system at work, protecting the digital copyrighted content.
Used for
Authentication
Tracking/Tracing
Anti-tampering / Anti-alteration
Goes on
Product
Can be used for
Digital products
Visibility
Invisible
Reading device needed
Yes
Connection to server
Yes
Description
DRM systems are designed to combat the large-scale, unauthorised copying and distribution of digital copyrighted content that takes place via the internet. They use two core processes to help copyright and associated rights holders protect and control access to their digital property:
- inclusion of metadata: data (such as the purchaser’s name or account information) that can only be read by specific software are embedded in the digital files;
- encryption: the digital content is written in a code legible only by devices or software that have an encryption key, which is made available offline or online depending on the authentication procedures.
By encoding and encrypting digital files, DRM systems make these files very difficult to duplicate (outside of the managed environment) and ensure that their use is limited (to certain periods of time or specific uses) and subject to the terms of the access licence granted to end users.
Uses
DRM systems target the counterfeiting of digital content such as audio and video files, e-books, software and computer games. They are mainly used to:
- certify the lawful use of digital files and/or full ownership of copyrighted content, making it possible to distinguish authorised copies from pirated copies (authentication);
- ensure legitimate access to content by embedding special digital markers in the original file or by distributing the file in a protected format;
- control pirated copies by making it possible to track the initial holder of the original files (tracking);
- control payment for the services.
Implementation
If you want to use a DRM system, you will need to put processes in place to make sure that, during production, the metadata is generated and embedded in the digital file, and/or that its content is encrypted.
Cost
The costs associated with DRM systems are highly context-specific, making it difficult to give a general idea of the resources required.