The Algorithm Series: Digital Rights Management (DRM) Anytime I write about digital rights management (DRM), I'm reminded that the opinions around codec or format wars are simple skirmishes compared to the strong feelings the term "DRM" evokes. On the one hand, there's the fact that many consumers despise DRM. And not just consumers who are bent on piracy. During my international travels, I can't tell you the number of complaints I've overheard from parents who download several movies for their children to watch during a long-haul flight, only to have geofencing (restrictions around geographies), 24-hour time constraints, or some other form of rights management impede their ability to pacify their children.