I've spent >20 years doing content security in various forms at various companies. Until recently I was directing the technology at a major streaming platform.
I can confirm that while there are serious issues with Widevine (and to a lesser extent PlayReady), the protection measures aren't totally ineffective. My work in improving security had measurable results saving significant amounts of money and reducing content leakage. One memorable time my colleague and I had a call with a big rights owner who tracks the piracy of their assets and they said "Can you tell us what you've been doing recently? Because the amount of piracy from your platform has dropped significantly."
Anti-piracy and content security is also a differentiator between platforms when bidding for content deals. Rights owners will absolutely give the best deals to the provider who provides more assurance and avoid platforms which are leaky buckets.
I know that doesn't fit the narrative, but until recently this was literally my job.
I've spent >20 years doing content security in various forms at various companies. Until recently I was directing the technology at a major streaming platform.
I can confirm that while there are serious issues with Widevine (and to a lesser extent PlayReady), the protection measures aren't totally ineffective. My work in improving security had measurable results saving significant amounts of money and reducing content leakage. One memorable time my colleague and I had a call with a big rights owner who tracks the piracy of their assets and they said "Can you tell us what you've been doing recently? Because the amount of piracy from your platform has dropped significantly."
Anti-piracy and content security is also a differentiator between platforms when bidding for content deals. Rights owners will absolutely give the best deals to the provider who provides more assurance and avoid platforms which are leaky buckets.
I know that doesn't fit the narrative, but until recently this was literally my job.
Security theater mostly, makes the executives feel good.