Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a term that refers to the ways owners of digital material protect their content. It could be something as simple as ensuring that only one copy of a work can be reproduced, but it could also be used to record and send information to third parties about how many times a particular work was played. Online adult entertainment relies heavily on audio and video transfer over the Internet so users should have a basic understanding of how DRM is used.

There are a number of different ways that digital content can be protected. In its basic form, computer code is written that stipulates how other digital information is accessed. For example, DRM technology could ensure that a video being played from a particular website isn’t copied to the computer it is being played on. DRM could also allow that same file to be downloaded but only allow it to work for a specified period. A popular use with DVD’s is the inclusion of material that you can’t skip when you first access the disk. Some companies, such as Microsoft, have built DRM technology into their programs. Windows Media Player has a unique code that lets Microsoft track computers that have its software on it. It also keeps a log of files that have been accessed and dials in to a central server to obtain additional information about the content. The music industry is a hotbed for DRM use. In 2002, a Celine Dion album caused computers to crash if the disk was inserted into a drive. It doesn’t take long before the possible applications of DRM technology begin to become apparent, both in mainstream and adult.

Adult sites are putting DRM technology to use in many different ways. Some sites will let you download videos that require a password to access them.

Some videos will work with the password even after your membership has expired but most lock you out when your term is up.

Despite the many possible openings for abuse, DRM is intended to protect the rights of people and their work. You will find it being used in mainstream as well as adult. It is a new reality of our digital age and, in many ways, it allows producers of adult content the ability to make money today so that there is new material for viewing tomorrow. We feel it's only fair to our readers to point out those porn sites that use DRM since in most cases you will not be able to watch the downloaded movies after you cancel your membership. We will penalize the scores of sites that use DRM. Most sites do not use this technology today and we feel there's no reason why you should get less for your dollar.

References

1. “EPIC Digital Rights Management and Privacy Page” Electronic Privacy Information Center, epic.org, Dec 13 2005.
2. “Digital Rights Management” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, wikipedia.com, Dec 13 2005.
3. “DRM in 2005: Part 1” Xbiz: The Industry Source, xbiz.com, Dec 13 2005.
4. “Implementing DRM” Xbiz: The Industry Source, xbiz.com, Dec 13 2005.