Digital rights management isn’t just for giant music and move companies, according to Brightcove’s Jeff Whatcott.

“Recent data has shown that 45 per cent of adults and 70 per cent of 18-29 year-olds have bought, copied or downloaded unauthorized music, TV shows or movies,” he says.

The statistic is a reminder to publishers who stream video. “As consumers embrace online video across a broad spectrum of devices, from smartphones and tablets to PCs and connected TVs, it has introduced more options to rip unauthorised content,” Whatcott says.

“As a result, content owners need to make sure they are protecting their content against piracy and unauthorised viewing no matter how, where or when it is accessed.

DRM  provides a set of technologies that enable content owners to secure content and enact policies around how consumers can engage with that content. Those policies can include viewing windows, allowed devices or copying and sharing permissions.

“Many people view DRM as something that only the big Hollywood film studios or major broadcast networks should be concerned with, but the reality is that any organisation that publishes and distributes premium content needs to be thinking about protecting that content.

“By protecting your content and controlling its use, you can make sure that your online video strategy serves the purposes for which it was intended – and that it won’t be undermined or undervalued as a result of unauthorised activity.”

Brightcove has published a white paper and video on the subject, including support for multiple DRM technologies. Details from www.brightcove.com