What is DRM in Books?

DRM, which stands for Digital Rights Management, is a set of technologies used to control access to, usage of, copying, and distribution of digital content. In the context of books, DRM is primarily applied to eBooks, and its main goal is to protect copyright, prevent piracy, and ensure that content is used within the boundaries set by the rights holder.

In simpler terms, DRM acts like a digital "lock" that prevents an eBook file from being copied, printed, shared, or even read on certain devices or apps unless specific conditions are met. Publishers and distribution platforms such as Amazon, Google Play Books, Apple Books, or Kobo typically implement DRM to ensure the books they sell aren’t distributed without authorization.

How Does DRM Work in eBooks?

DRM works by embedding codes or restrictions in the digital file of the book. These codes can limit specific user actions, such as:

• Reading the book only on authorized devices.

• Blocking the ability to copy and paste text.

• Preventing the book from being transferred to other users.

• Restricting the number of devices on which the book can be read.

• Limiting or completely disabling the ability to print the book.

For example, if you purchase a DRM-protected eBook from Amazon, it can typically only be read through Kindle apps or Kindle devices. If you want to open the same book on another eReader, such as a Kobo or PocketBook, you won't be able to unless you remove the DRM first—something that, while technically possible, is often legally questionable or explicitly prohibited by the service's terms of use.

Advantages of DRM

DRM offers several advantages, especially from the perspective of authors, publishers, and distribution platforms:

1. Copyright Protection.

The primary argument in favor of DRM is that it protects the rights of content creators. In the digital age, where copying a file is as easy as clicking a button, DRM aims to prevent eBooks from circulating freely and uncontrollably, which could negatively affect the income of writers and publishers.

2. Piracy Reduction.

Although DRM is not foolproof, it does place additional barriers that can discourage unauthorized distribution of content. The presence of protection measures may deter some users from illegally sharing books, thereby contributing to a lower circulation of pirated versions.

3. Control Over Content Usage.

DRM allows publishers and authors to set specific conditions for how their work is used. For example, they can decide whether printing is allowed, or whether books can be lent to other users. This can be useful in educational or professional contexts where content access needs to be regulated.

4. Support for Digital Business Models.

Thanks to DRM, some platforms have been able to implement business models that wouldn’t be viable otherwise, such as temporary book lending, digital libraries, or subscription systems. DRM ensures that access to content can be time-limited or conditioned, something that would be very difficult to enforce without these technologies.

Disadvantages of DRM

Despite the benefits, DRM also presents numerous drawbacks, especially from the consumer's point of view. These restrictions often lead to frustration, technical issues, and even legal or ethical concerns.

1. Restrictions on Legitimate Users.

One of the main problems with DRM is that it doesn’t distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate users. As a result, those who legally purchase an eBook may face limitations that negatively impact their reading experience: they can't read the book on all their devices, they can’t share it with family or friends, or they can’t make a backup copy.

2. Platform Dependency.

DRM tends to lock users into a specific ecosystem. For example, if you buy books from Kindle, those books are tied to Amazon’s ecosystem. If you decide to switch to another platform in the future, you may lose access to your digital library. This creates a kind of "customer lock-in," where changing providers means forfeiting some of your purchased content.

3. Compatibility and Accessibility Issues.

DRM can also cause incompatibilities between devices, making it difficult to read books on certain devices or apps. This can especially affect people with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies to read. In many cases, DRM interferes with these tools, limiting equal access to information.

4. Loss of Ownership Control.

Unlike a physical book, which you can lend, resell, or donate, DRM-protected eBooks do not allow such actions. This challenges the traditional concept of ownership: the buyer of a DRM eBook doesn’t truly own the file but instead has a limited “license” to use it, which can even expire or be revoked.

5. Ineffectiveness Against Real Piracy.

Ironically, although DRM is implemented to prevent piracy, experienced pirates often find ways to remove these protections relatively easily. Pirated books circulating online are usually DRM-free, meaning that legitimate users are at a disadvantage compared to those who access content illegally. In this sense, DRM may end up punishing the honest consumer more than the actual offender.

Final Evaluation

The use of DRM in eBooks is a complex issue that involves balancing the protection of copyright with respecting consumer rights. From a legal and commercial standpoint, DRM has its place: creators and publishers have the right to protect their work and to pursue a sustainable business model in the digital environment. Additionally, technologies like DRM have enabled the existence of digital libraries, lending systems, and subscription services that enrich reading access.

However, its current implementation is often overly restrictive, creating too many obstacles for legitimate readers. The inability to transfer, share, or even properly preserve a legally purchased digital book makes for a poor and frustrating user experience. In some cases, DRM can even become a barrier to cultural access, especially in educational settings or in countries with limited resources.

Moreover, DRM has not proven to be particularly effective at stopping piracy. Those who want to access books illegally usually find ways to bypass these protections. Instead, it’s the honest users who suffer the consequences, restricted by a system designed to protect something they’ve already paid for. This imbalance has led many consumers to distrust DRM and to prefer DRM-free books, like those offered by independent publishers or platforms that use so-called "social DRM" or invisible watermarks.

In conclusion, DRM is a valid tool within certain limits, but its use should be reconsidered so that it doesn’t become a barrier to reading. It's possible to imagine fairer and more transparent protection systems that respect both the rights of creators and readers. Ultimately, fostering trust and education about the value of digital content may be a more effective and long-lasting strategy than simply imposing technological barriers. Reading, at its core, should be free, accessible, and enjoyable—not an experience marked by surveillance and restriction.

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Trÿa, the Leyend of the God Zanaán

«Sira Ïn is no longer a safe place. Beyond the Crown of Winds, Nara must conceal her identity, exposed to the dangers of Trÿa. While she strives to become the warrior her people need, Tyrhon Zäeh plots to halt her journey, destroy her companions, and prevent her from uncovering the truths hidden behind the legend of the powerful god Zanaán.»

After an initial local release, "Trÿa, the Legend of the God Zanaán" was published for the general public, becoming one of the four finalists for "Best Self-Published Novel" at the Avenida Awards in 2019.

This book is only published in Spanish.*