Comment by reddalo
13 hours ago
>Without DRM Netflix's business would not exist. Nobody would license them any content if it was going to be streamed without a DRM.
I don't agree. If people refused to watch DRM-protected content, they would get rid of it.
For example, Pluto TV is a free streaming service that has much content without DRM. GOG lets you buy DRM-free games. Even Netflix itself lets you stream DRM-free content, albeit in low resolution.
From previous experience some platforms are considered a "leakage source" for content and major rights owners won't put their content there because it's too easy to steal from. The security measures that are put on streaming platforms aren't totally ineffective, they're restrictive but it's considered worth the trouble because platforms can actually measure the effect of restrictions.
The low resolution option is something many rightsholders accept, but from a product proposition perspective it's difficult to explain to many customers. They're just grumpy that they paid for content and can only watch it in SD, that reduces your customer satisfaction. Better to do nothing than a poor job sometimes.