Digital rights management: Difference between revisions

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===Collateral problems===

There are countless examples of DRM technology causing user-facing problems beyond the basic DRM restriction. ~~This behavior of~~ negligent usage of the DRM, but it could also be argued that DRM ''naturally'' causes problems like these to occur.

There are countless examples of DRM technology causing user-facing problems beyond the basic DRM restriction. These are often caused by negligent usage of the DRM, but it could also be argued that DRM ''naturally'' causes problems like these to occur.

====Monitor discrimination====

Playing Netflix's video content requires using a specific DRM called ''HDCP'' (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) for playback in advertised quality''.'' This technology only works if ''all'' connected displays support it, not just the one that displays the video.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=Netflix requires all monitors to be HDCP 2.2. How can I get around this? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1avkwtb/netflix_requires_all_monitors_to_be_hdcp_22_how/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126224945/https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1avkwtb/netflix_requires_all_monitors_to_be_hdcp_22_how/ |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-22 |title=How do I get Netflix working at 4k on my second monitor? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/mam2l9/how_do_i_get_netflix_working_at_4k_on_my_second/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403054443/https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/mam2l9/how_do_i_get_netflix_working_at_4k_on_my_second/ |archive-date=2025-04-03 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use Netflix on your Windows computer or tablet |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104160941/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Netflix Help Center}}</ref> This means that older but fully functional monitors cannot be used as secondary screens without causing HDCP to fail on that PC and thus causing Netflix to serve a version of the content much lower in quality than it advertises.

DRM technology requirements are a burden that is put onto the consumer to adhere to, are often not clearly disclosed. When they are, they can often be found buried in the Terms of Service or, in Netflix's case, require navigating through multiple ''FAQ'' (Frequently Asked Questions) pages.

DRM technology requirements are a burden that is put onto the consumer to adhere to, and are often not clearly disclosed. When they are, they can often be found buried in the Terms of Service or, in Netflix's case, require navigating through multiple ''FAQ'' (Frequently Asked Questions) pages.

====Intrusive by design====

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====False user expectations====

DRM ~~failures~~ can also be ''confusing'' or create wrong expectations. For example, with a YouTube Premium subscription, you can "Download videos to watch offline", but such videos are only available for 48 hours without an internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in select countries & regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115091128/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=2026-01-15 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Help}}</ref> This creates ~~problems of expectation~~, as users may want to download videos in anticipation of a period without internet access.

DRM problems can also be ''confusing'' or create wrong expectations. For example, with a YouTube Premium subscription you can "Download videos to watch offline", but such videos are only available for 48 hours without an internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in select countries & regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115091128/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=2026-01-15 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Help}}</ref> This creates problematic expectations, as users may want to download videos in anticipation of a period without internet access.

====False obsolescence of purchased products====

Some DRM rely on special processes within some specific operating systems that end up becoming deprecated as time goes on. This is the case for [[wikipedia:Games_for_Windows_–_Live|Games For Windows Live]]. Legacy [[SecuROM]]-protected titles (released roughly between 1998 and 2005) are notorious for not running on operating systems newer than Windows XP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D’Amico |first=Luca |date=5 May 2022 |title=Arabian Nights |url=https://www.lucadamico.dev/papers/drms/securom/ArabianNights.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112055300/https://www.lucadamico.dev/papers/drms/securom/ArabianNights.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-12 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=lucadamico.dev}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@haggar |date=15 Oct 2006 |title=Unpacking SecuROM 4.xx |url=https://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226230919/http://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |archive-date=26 Feb 2022 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=www.reversing.be}}</ref> Customers must spend an extensive amount of time circumventing the DRM, or enter legally grey areas, just to play content they legitimately purchased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baggs |first=Nathan |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Hacking This Terrible DRM |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjkqI7dBDVg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=vjkqI7dBDVg |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> This DRM has the worst effects on physical licenses of products, as unlike a digital installation, if a physical copy of a game's DRM stops being supported by modern hardware, developers cannot simply distribute a patch to directly modify the code on a disc, and online patches cannot last forever.{{Citation needed|date=Jun 2026}}

Some DRM require a constant internet connection. While this may make sense in something that inherently requires an internet connection such as a streaming service or multiplayer-only video game, this has also been employed in games with single-player content, rendering customers unable to use their purchase if they do not have an active internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=17 May 2012 |title='Diablo III' Fans Should Stay Angry About Always-Online DRM |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024065743/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Conversely, if operations for these services are shut down, users, even those with legitimate copies of software and internet access, cannot run their games without resorting to hacking them first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitor |first=João |date=12 Jul 2024 |title=Rewriting completely the GameSpy support from 2000 to 2004 using Reverse Engineering on EA and Bungie Games |url=https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251216155905/https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games |archive-date=2025-12-16 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Keowu Blog's}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=4 Apr 2014 |title=GameSpy Shuts Down May 31: Will Your Game Be Affected? |url=https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024204157/https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> [[Ubisoft]] has historically been known for server shutdowns and transfers cutting off access to games for many players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=2012-02-08 |title=Ubisoft DRM Locks Out Paying Customers |url=https://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906130332/http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |archive-date=2015-09-06 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=IGN Entertainment}}</ref> Encrypted [[ATSC 3.0]] channels cannot be tuned to without a persistent internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214005506/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |archive-date=2025-12-14 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref>

Some DRM require a constant internet connection. While this may make sense in something that inherently requires an internet connection such as a streaming service or multiplayer-only video game, this has also been employed in games with single-player content, rendering customers unable to use their purchase if they do not have an active internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=17 May 2012 |title='Diablo III' Fans Should Stay Angry About Always-Online DRM |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024065743/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Conversely, if operations for these services are shut down, users, even those with legitimate copies of software and internet access, cannot run their games without resorting to hacking them first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitor |first=João |date=12 Jul 2024 |title=Rewriting completely the GameSpy support from 2000 to 2004 using Reverse Engineering on EA and Bungie Games |url=https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251216155905/https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games |archive-date=2025-12-16 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Keowu Blog's}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=4 Apr 2014 |title=GameSpy Shuts Down May 31: Will Your Game Be Affected? |url=https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024204157/https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> [[Ubisoft]] has historically been known for server shutdowns and transfers cutting off access to games for many players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=2012-02-08 |title=Ubisoft DRM Locks Out Paying Customers |url=https://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906130332/http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |archive-date=2015-09-06 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=IGN Entertainment}}</ref>

===The best audio & video DRM to date have failed===

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==DRM controversies in other products==

===Network-~~Attached Storage Units~~===

===Air filters===

''See also: [[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down devices used with third party air filters]]''

Some companies, namely Molekule and [[Xiaomi]], use NFC-based DRM systems to ensure that replacement air filters which are inserted in air purifying devices are made by the brand. Molekule additionally threatened to permanently shut down any devices which used third-party filters, essentially [[Device bricking|bricking]] them.

=== Public broadcast television ===

ATSC 3.0, NextGenTV introduced DRM and encryption to freely available television airwaves,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214005506/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |archive-date=2025-12-14 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref> and those channels cannot be tuned without a to without certified tuner. In cases where encrypted channels could be decrypted using certified tuners, it has been reported that an active internet connection is required to tune or switch between encrypted channels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251101180100/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2025 |access-date=28 Mar 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref>

===Network-attached storage===

''See also: [[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]''

In 2025, certain models of pre-built network attached storage units produced by [[Synology]] contained DRM in order to prevent the usage of non-Synology branded hard drives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=2025-04-16 |title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107215841/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |archive-date=2026-01-07 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> This decision recieved a lot of backlash and was reverted in October 2025.

===Printer ~~Ink~~===

===Printer ink===

''See also: [[HP Dynamic Security]]''

Companies such as [[HP]] only allow printers to only use ink sold by the same brand. There are a number of DRM systems employed by different companies to this end, an example of which is HP Dynamic Security, which has caught controversy during recent years. Similarly, [[Dymo]] engages in this practice with their paper products using RFID tags.

===~~Air Filters===~~

===Water filters===

~~''See also: [[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down devices used with third party air filters]]''~~

Some companies, namely Molekule and [[Xiaomi]], use NFC-based DRM systems to ensure that replacement air filters which are inserted in air purifying devices are made by the brand. Molekule additionally threatened to permanently shut down any devices which used third-party filters~~, essentially [[Device bricking|bricking]] them.~~

~~===Water Filters~~===

''See also: [[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]''

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ===Collateral problems===
-There are countless examples of DRM technology causing user-facing problems beyond the basic DRM restriction. This behavior of negligent usage of the DRM, but it could also be argued that DRM ''naturally'' causes problems like these to occur.
+There are countless examples of DRM technology causing user-facing problems beyond the basic DRM restriction. These are often caused by negligent usage of the DRM, but it could also be argued that DRM ''naturally'' causes problems like these to occur.
 ====Monitor discrimination====
 Playing Netflix's video content requires using a specific DRM called ''HDCP'' (<small>High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)</small> for playback in advertised quality''.'' This technology only works if ''all'' connected displays support it, not just the one that displays the video.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=Netflix requires all monitors to be HDCP 2.2. How can I get around this? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1avkwtb/netflix_requires_all_monitors_to_be_hdcp_22_how/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126224945/https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1avkwtb/netflix_requires_all_monitors_to_be_hdcp_22_how/ |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-22 |title=How do I get Netflix working at 4k on my second monitor? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/mam2l9/how_do_i_get_netflix_working_at_4k_on_my_second/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403054443/https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/mam2l9/how_do_i_get_netflix_working_at_4k_on_my_second/ |archive-date=2025-04-03 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use Netflix on your Windows computer or tablet |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104160941/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Netflix Help Center}}</ref> This means that older but fully functional monitors cannot be used as secondary screens without causing HDCP to fail on that PC and thus causing Netflix to serve a version of the content much lower in quality than it advertises.
-DRM technology requirements are a burden that is put onto the consumer to adhere to, are often not clearly disclosed. When they are, they can often be found buried in the Terms of Service or, in Netflix's case, require navigating through multiple ''FAQ'' <small>(Frequently Asked Questions)</small> pages.
+DRM technology requirements are a burden that is put onto the consumer to adhere to, and are often not clearly disclosed. When they are, they can often be found buried in the Terms of Service or, in Netflix's case, require navigating through multiple ''FAQ'' <small>(Frequently Asked Questions)</small> pages.
 ====Intrusive by design====
@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 ====False user expectations====
-DRM failures can also be ''confusing'' or create wrong expectations. For example, with a YouTube Premium subscription, you can "Download videos to watch offline", but such videos are only available for 48 hours without an internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in select countries & regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115091128/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=2026-01-15 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Help}}</ref> This creates problems of expectation, as users may want to download videos in anticipation of a period without internet access.
+DRM problems can also be ''confusing'' or create wrong expectations. For example, with a YouTube Premium subscription you can "Download videos to watch offline", but such videos are only available for 48 hours without an internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in select countries & regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115091128/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=2026-01-15 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Help}}</ref> This creates problematic expectations, as users may want to download videos in anticipation of a period without internet access.
 ====False obsolescence of purchased products====
 Some DRM rely on special processes within some specific operating systems that end up becoming deprecated as time goes on. This is the case for [[wikipedia:Games_for_Windows_–_Live|Games For Windows Live]]. Legacy [[SecuROM]]-protected titles (released roughly between 1998 and 2005) are notorious for not running on operating systems newer than Windows XP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D’Amico |first=Luca |date=5 May 2022 |title=Arabian Nights |url=https://www.lucadamico.dev/papers/drms/securom/ArabianNights.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112055300/https://www.lucadamico.dev/papers/drms/securom/ArabianNights.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-12 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=lucadamico.dev}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@haggar |date=15 Oct 2006 |title=Unpacking SecuROM 4.xx |url=https://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226230919/http://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |archive-date=26 Feb 2022 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=www.reversing.be}}</ref> Customers must spend an extensive amount of time circumventing the DRM, or enter legally grey areas, just to play content they legitimately purchased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baggs |first=Nathan |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Hacking This Terrible DRM |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjkqI7dBDVg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=vjkqI7dBDVg |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> This DRM has the worst effects on physical licenses of products, as unlike a digital installation, if a physical copy of a game's DRM stops being supported by modern hardware, developers cannot simply distribute a patch to directly modify the code on a disc, and online patches cannot last forever.{{Citation needed|date=Jun 2026}}
-Some DRM require a constant internet connection. While this may make sense in something that inherently requires an internet connection such as a streaming service or multiplayer-only video game, this has also been employed in games with single-player content, rendering customers unable to use their purchase if they do not have an active internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=17 May 2012 |title='Diablo III' Fans Should Stay Angry About Always-Online DRM |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024065743/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Conversely, if operations for these services are shut down, users, even those with legitimate copies of software and internet access, cannot run their games without resorting to hacking them first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitor |first=João |date=12 Jul 2024 |title=Rewriting completely the GameSpy support from 2000 to 2004 using Reverse Engineering on EA and Bungie Games |url=https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251216155905/https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games |archive-date=2025-12-16 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Keowu Blog's}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=4 Apr 2014 |title=GameSpy Shuts Down May 31: Will Your Game Be Affected? |url=https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024204157/https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> [[Ubisoft]] has historically been known for server shutdowns and transfers cutting off access to games for many players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=2012-02-08 |title=Ubisoft DRM Locks Out Paying Customers |url=https://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906130332/http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |archive-date=2015-09-06 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=IGN Entertainment}}</ref> Encrypted [[ATSC 3.0]] channels cannot be tuned to without a persistent internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214005506/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |archive-date=2025-12-14 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref>
+Some DRM require a constant internet connection. While this may make sense in something that inherently requires an internet connection such as a streaming service or multiplayer-only video game, this has also been employed in games with single-player content, rendering customers unable to use their purchase if they do not have an active internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=17 May 2012 |title='Diablo III' Fans Should Stay Angry About Always-Online DRM |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024065743/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Conversely, if operations for these services are shut down, users, even those with legitimate copies of software and internet access, cannot run their games without resorting to hacking them first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitor |first=João |date=12 Jul 2024 |title=Rewriting completely the GameSpy support from 2000 to 2004 using Reverse Engineering on EA and Bungie Games |url=https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251216155905/https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games |archive-date=2025-12-16 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Keowu Blog's}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=4 Apr 2014 |title=GameSpy Shuts Down May 31: Will Your Game Be Affected? |url=https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024204157/https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> [[Ubisoft]] has historically been known for server shutdowns and transfers cutting off access to games for many players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=2012-02-08 |title=Ubisoft DRM Locks Out Paying Customers |url=https://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906130332/http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |archive-date=2015-09-06 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=IGN Entertainment}}</ref>
 ===The best audio & video DRM to date have failed===
@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 ==DRM controversies in other products==
-===Network-Attached Storage Units===
+===Air filters===
+''See also: [[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down devices used with third party air filters]]''
+Some companies, namely Molekule and [[Xiaomi]], use NFC-based DRM systems to ensure that replacement air filters which are inserted in air purifying devices are made by the brand. Molekule additionally threatened to permanently shut down any devices which used third-party filters, essentially [[Device bricking|bricking]] them.
+=== Public broadcast television ===
+{{Main|ATSC 3.0}}
+ATSC 3.0, NextGenTV introduced DRM and encryption to freely available television airwaves,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214005506/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |archive-date=2025-12-14 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref> and those channels cannot be tuned without a to without certified tuner. In cases where encrypted channels could be decrypted using certified tuners, it has been reported that an active internet connection is required to tune or switch between encrypted channels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251101180100/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2025 |access-date=28 Mar 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref>
+===Network-attached storage===
 ''See also: [[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]''
 In 2025, certain models of pre-built network attached storage units produced by [[Synology]] contained DRM in order to prevent the usage of non-Synology branded hard drives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=2025-04-16 |title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107215841/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |archive-date=2026-01-07 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> This decision recieved a lot of backlash and was reverted in October 2025.
-===Printer Ink===
+===Printer ink===
 ''See also: [[HP Dynamic Security]]''
 Companies such as [[HP]] only allow printers to only use ink sold by the same brand. There are a number of DRM systems employed by different companies to this end, an example of which is HP Dynamic Security, which has caught controversy during recent years. Similarly, [[Dymo]] engages in this practice with their paper products using RFID tags.
-===Air Filters===
+===Water filters===
-''See also: [[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down devices used with third party air filters]]''
-Some companies, namely Molekule and [[Xiaomi]], use NFC-based DRM systems to ensure that replacement air filters which are inserted in air purifying devices are made by the brand. Molekule additionally threatened to permanently shut down any devices which used third-party filters, essentially [[Device bricking|bricking]] them.
-===Water Filters===
 ''See also: [[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]''