What is DRM?
DRM—or Digital Rights Management—is a cutting-edge content protection method for securing copyrighted digital content and preventing unauthorized access, piracy, and leakage. DRM has become an indispensable aspect of every major streaming video platform as more and more premium content is being published regularly via the internet.
What does DRM do?
DRM primarily ensures that digital content is stored and distributed in an encrypted format—and, thus, is only accessible for playback by authorized viewers and devices. Before video content is streamed, it is encrypted and packaged with the help of multi-DRM systems to ensure widespread device compatibility. When the video player attempts to playback a video, it is authorized by a license server; a decryption key is requested, and the server ascertains if the user/device is authorized for playback and responds with the key. The player can then stream the content on the device.
Why do you need DRM Protection?
- DRM is a robust technology to safeguard your premium video content against piracy, unlawful manipulation or distribution, and unauthorized access.
- It is an industry standard among broadcasters and content creators; today, given how vulnerable premium content is to unauthorized distribution and piracy. It can cause a significant loss in revenue for businesses.
- DRM solutions can also safeguard platforms against cybersecurity risks alongside copyright protection. You can protect user data, comply with security standards, and benefit from overall operational efficiency.
Popular Video DRMs
There are various DRM technologies to ensure content protection across a multitude of operating systems, devices, and browsers.
- Google Widevine: It is designed to secure content for Windows, Mac, and Linus operating systems—desktop or laptop. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Android TV, and Chromecast also support it.
- Apple Fairplay: It is developed by Apple for macOS, iOS, TvOS, Safari, and IOS Apps.
- Microsoft Playready: It is supported by Microsoft Edge in Windows.