DRMs

Digital Rights Management (DRM) refers to a set of access control technologies used to restrict the use, modification, and distribution of digital content and software. DRM systems are designed to enforce licensing terms and prevent unauthorized copying, sharing, or playback across devices and platforms.

DRM typically combines cryptographic measures with license management. Content is encrypted and requires a license or key to decrypt and play, often after the user authenticates with an online service. Some systems tie playback to a specific device, user account, or hardware module, and may periodically check in with a license server. DRM can involve software-based protections, hardware-enforced protections in trusted execution environments, watermarking, and revocation mechanisms to block compromised devices.

DRM is widely used in media distribution (movies, music, e-books) and software distribution and in video games. Notable examples include streaming platforms using Widevine, PlayReady, and FairPlay; e-book retailers with Adobe or proprietary schemes; game launchers with built-in DRM such as Denuvo or Steamworks; physical media uses CSS on DVDs and AACS on Blu-ray. Some devices also implement high-bandwidth digital content protection.

DRM remains controversial. Proponents emphasize content protection and creator compensation; critics point to restrictions on user rights, interoperability issues, and the ease of circumvention by determined individuals. Legal frameworks in many jurisdictions prohibit bypassing DRM under anti-circumvention provisions, while industry trends have moved toward streaming models with server-side access control and fewer offline freedoms.