Digital Rights Management - Promises, Problems and Alternative Solutions

Abstract

This thesis presents the introduction of Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems used to protect copyrighted content, why these systems are emphasized and by whom. Legal and technical aspects of such methods are also introduced. Moreover, progress in anti-piracy techniques and reasons for the current situation with online piracy are explained. In addition to presenting an alternative model for digital entertainment business, a new distribution system based on direct subscription on downloadable media files is suggested. Positive and negative aspects of these options are discussed, indicating how copyright owners and distributors will approach these challenges.