A DRM Solution for Online Content Using Blockchain - A Music Perspective

Abstract

The amount of piracy in the streaming and static digital content in general and the music industry in specific is posing a challenge to digital content owners. The paper proposes a DRM system to monetize, track and control online content cross platforms. The system addresses the need to lowering the barriers of entry for music bands, content reconciliation for royalty payments, and controlling the content after dissemination. The paper benefits from the current advances in Blockchain and cryptocurrencies. In specific, the paper presents a digital currency (Asset Assertion (AA) Token) on a permission based Blockchain to enable the secure dissemination and tracking of the digital content. The paper presents the model, as well as its information schematics. The proposed solution provides the data owner the ability to control the flow of information even after she releases it, by creating a secure, self-installed, cross platform reader located on the digital content file header.

Keywords: Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Digital Rights Management, Public Key, Private Key

JEL Classification: c88