**What does the term "digital rights management" (DRM) protect?**
Digital Rights Management (DRM) protects intellectual property and copyright for digital content such as music, films, e-books, and software. DRM technologies restrict unauthorized access, copying, and distribution of digital media, ensuring that creators and distributors can safeguard their work from piracy and misuse. By enforcing usage rights through encryption and licensing, DRM helps maintain control over how content is consumed and shared, ultimately supporting the financial viability of creators and the industries surrounding digital content. However, DRM practices often spark debates about user rights and accessibility.