What is DRM?

Digital rights management, or DRM, is one of the most controversial topics on the Internet today. DRM refers to the technological advances companies have used to control the ability to share music and video online. However, it is not to be confused with copyrights, copy protection of technical protection. It specifically refers to the ability of a given device, program or web site to share music and videos coded to only work with certain units. It is a part of copyright protection, but it does not necessarily mean it is acting as a copyright itself on a given song, film or television show.

Many people are against such measures, citing the inability to legally share files as well as forcing a monopoly on the type of music and files that can be used on devices. iTunes is one such program that uses a DRM that users are not necessarily happy about, since it makes it harder to find music compatible for the program as well as for the various forms of iPods on the market.

When it comes to music in particular, DRMs have been around since 2002, when BMG and Arista teamed up to begin the first use of the technology on mainly promotional CDs to prevent leaking songs and albums before their release date. This technology is still used today. Since the CDs used cannot be played on all devices, it was considered a good way to prevent fans from getting a hold of music ahead of time, but it has been proven that where there is a will, there is a way. The same technology was developed for use on DVDs, and today, you find it on screener copies as well as preview discs. Again, however, fans have found ways around the technology.

Advocates for the use of DRM technology cite that it helps prevent copyright infringement and illegal file sharing amongst those who purchase music and video legally. It prevents duplications, copies and Internet uploads as well. However, many groups have found ways around it, and while it is good in theory, it is not foolproof.