Digital rights management (DRM) is undoubtedly a hot topic in today’s connected environment. As over-the-top (OTT) media distribution channels fortify month after month, so do the risks that come with their use. Data theft, billion-dollar revenue losses, and compliance issues are just a few of these risks. As the year draws to a close, let’s examine the persistent challenges in the DRM space and how IP geolocation can help in some cases.

1. DRM malfunctions are often due to flawed implementation

On the surface, it seems that technology is often to blame for any security breach or lousy user experience. However, inconsistencies in DRM implementation are the root of the problem. It cannot be stressed enough how much communication matters during the collaborative process that occurs between users and DRM solution providers. They need to work hand-in-hand from user experience (UX) design to software diversity.

2. Finding more robust solutions can counteract the rise of deep fakes

From fake news to mass hysteria, deep fakes can be a danger to society if we fail to curb their distribution. Blockchain use is currently being explored to combat deep fakes, although it remains to be seen how effective it is as a countermeasure. Constantly strengthening one’s digital trust framework should be on every organization’s to-do list, including content and DRM solution providers.

3. Striking a balance between UX and access provision as well as preventing piracy is necessary

End-user adaptability is another common issue in the DRM space. As the number of on-demand content consumers and new devices grows unprecedented, new content licensing, management, and delivery models need to be put in place.

Resistance from both former and existing users is inevitable in this scenario. Many insiders believe, however, that DRM solution providers and content publishers can handle this resistance with better customer education.

4. There exists a lack of unified DRM solutions for digital publishers

Forecasts reveal that end-users’ main gripe is the lack of all-in-one DRM solutions. They bemoan having to subscribe to multiple DRM solutions that impact their initial investments and after-sales spending.

How IP geolocation can help mitigate DRM challenges

As you may know, IP geolocation tools are a primary component of most DRM solutions. IP geolocation data is often up-to-date, exhaustive, and standardized (depending on their providers, of course). At its core, it allows for the simplified verification of licensing rights across regions as well as authenticating user access.

By employing IP geolocation, various industries can more effectively manage who has the right to access their digital assets. Who stands to gain most from IP geolocation-enhanced DRM?

Movie and music streaming service providers – Streaming service providers can more easily adhere to restrictive licensing agreements by verifying subscriber locations based on their IP addresses before being given access to specific movies and music.

Online game developers – In the gaming industry, DRM prevents unauthorized copying and distribution of games. However, more tech-savvy gamers could easily pretend to come from another country just to gain access to a game. IP geolocation can help verify their actual location despite the address they give out upon game registration. The technology can also be integrated into mobile games to limit their free transfer to other devices.

E-book publishers – Protecting against the mass copying of e-books is doable with IP geolocation-enhanced DRM technology as it can block access from unauthorized readers. Ensuring that only an authorized IP address instead of a username (which an owner can share with friends or family, for example) has access to a particular e-book is a more effective measure against copyright infringers.

IP geolocation tools can help identify a real user from a malicious actor pretending to be one. When used to augment DRM solution capabilities, these tools provide near-accurate physical locations that go beyond domain restrictions and conditional access rights.

By focusing on developing this specific segment, we can enhance DRM coverage and make significant progress to address current market concerns. At present, only a handful of IP geolocation API providers can be relied on. Expanding this pool can help the thriving market prosper even further.

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The challenge that remains for DRM platform builders is how they can improve their offerings without encroaching upon users’ freedom, creativity, and rights. One way to do that is by using IP geolocation technology to ensure that their users’ media assets remain secure against threats.