IEEE Operational Group to Allocate Confined File Sharing

The IEEE P1817 working group has come into result last month and proposes a file security system that aims to allow users to share their digital files but keep them confined from complete copying at the same time. Known as Digital Personal Property (DPP), it includes two pieces of a digital file and would be a less restraining alternative to DRM file protection. There would be a title folder and a play key. The title folder would contain the encrypted file, while a play key would grant access.

Users could liberally share the title folder, but conceding access to the file within would only be acceptable if they shared a play key. It would be limited within either a tamper-protected circuit inside a computer or personal device or online at a play key hosting site. The play key is then lent out like a library book. Owners would need to be alert who they lend the play key out to, however, as the borrower could move it and never return it, much like lending out a physical item such as a CD.