The security of digital right management

Back? The future of books

Description:

Digital Rights Management is used by publishers and copyright holders to limit the usage and enforce copyright of e-books. By using DRM, the publishers limit copying, printing and sharing e-books. Other limitations that can be set are the number of maximum views, the number of days the e-book can be accessed etc.

Usually e-books are limited to a number of reading devices and most often to just one. This means that once you downloaded the e-book to your computer, the only way you can access that e-book is through your computer only. The e-book can’t be send to your mobile phone, e-book reader, or another computer.

This is a disadvantage for the customer, as one person can own more than one computer, or, if the computer or reading device breaks, the e-book is lost with it.

The advantage of using DRM is only for the publishers, as they know that only the people that bought the book have access to it.

Enablers:

1. The power of opponents

Even though it is required by law for e-book to have DRM, there are enough opponents for this decision. They could influence the law and the existing or potential e-book readers.

2. Hackers

Hackers can, by cracking the DRM code, increase the popularity of e-books. Therefore, if an e-book can be read for free why bother buying it? The activity of hackers would attract a whole new market segment represented by people who wouldn't have bought the e-book anyway.

3. Development of a software to remove DRM

The software would be developed by hackers but could be used by anyone. This would offer to people the possibility of having access to a free version of any e-book existent.

4. Laws and regulations

Laws can be changed (from requiring to use of DRM) due to massive opposition from prominent organizations and individuals.

Inhibitors:

1. Customer complaint

2. The adoption of DRM by all e-book publishers

3. Limitation laws and regulations

Web Resources:

Wikipedia