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DRM and its shortcomings analyzed in an article in Forbes.

The original purpose of the DRM technology was to “to convert the digital ecosystem into a legitimate marketplace, which simultaneously offers security and safeguards for owners of content, as well as appeal and flexibility for consumers.” However, DRM has failed in certain ways:

--“DRM is unable to protect content fully. The scale of file sharing in "dark nets" continues to eclipse sales of protected music and video content. Meanwhile, the "walled gardens" constructed by DRM remain permeable to hacking.

--It also serves to frustrate fair uses of content. As such, it arguably provides an incentive for consumers to search for free and open content elsewhere.

--DRM has fragmented the marketplace into "autistic" ecologies of software and hardware, which are unable to speak to one another. Debates surrounding the interoperability of digital music are illustrative.

--DRM has functioned as a mechanism of market control. By controlling access to DRM licenses, owners of media content are able to dictate the pace and direction of commercial innovation in the digital ecosystem.”

According to the article the music industry has come to understanding that “digital music cannot grow under the restrictions imposed by DRM.”

The ways to protect content most likely will evolve. For example, DRM will no longer restrict consumers’ choice of devices, and become less noticeable (annoying) to the consumers.


Read more:
DRM Technology Faces Redefinition, Forbes