DRM Digital Rights Management

Digital rights management (DRM) is the management of legal access to digital content. Various tools or technological protection measures (TPM)^[1] such as access control technologies can restrict the use of proprietary hardware and copyrighted works.^[2] DRM technologies govern the use, modification, and distribution of copyrighted works (such as software and multimedia content), as well as systems that enforce these policies within devices.^[3]

Laws in many countries criminalize the circumvention of DRM, communication about such circumvention, and the creation and distribution of tools used for such circumvention.

Such laws are part of the United States' Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA),^[4] and the European Union's Information Society Directive^[5] (the French DADVSI is an example of a member state of the European Union implementing the directive).^[6]

DRM techniques include licensing agreements^[7] and encryption.^[8]

The industry has expanded the usage of DRM to various hardware products, such as Keurig's coffeemakers,^[9][10] Philips' light bulbs,^[11][12] mobile device power chargers,^[13][14][15] and John Deere's tractors.^[16] For instance, tractor companies try to prevent farmers from making repairs under via DRM.^[17]

DRM users argue that the technology is necessary to protect intellectual property, just as physical locks prevent personal property from theft,^[1] that it can help the copyright holder maintain artistic control,^[18] and to support licensing modalities such as rentals.^[19]

DRM is not without controversy. Critics of DRM contend that no evidence proves that DRM helps prevent copyright infringement, arguing that it serves only to inconvenience legitimate customers, and that DRM can stifle innovation and competition.^[20] Furthermore, works can become permanently inaccessible if the DRM scheme changes or if a required service is discontinued.^[21] DRM technologies have been criticized for restricting individuals from copying or using the content legally, such as by fair use or by making backup copies. DRM is in common use by the entertainment industry (e.g., audio and video publishers).^[22] Many online stores such as OverDrive, use DRM technologies, as do cable and satellite service operators. Apple removed DRM technology from iTunes around 2009.^[23] Typical DRM also prevents lending materials out through a library, or accessing works in the public domain.^[1]

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