Why do publishers and retailers use DRM to protect e-books from piracy?

Publishers and retailers use digital rights management (DRM) as a technological tool to protect intellectual property from casual piracy. By employing file-encryption and access-control systems, companies can lock e-books to a specific customer’s identity and authorized software, thereby preventing unauthorized sharing or large-scale distribution of digital files.12

From a business perspective, proponents argue that DRM is necessary to secure market share and protect the interests of copyright holders in an era where digital content can be reproduced and distributed with near-zero cost.21

However, the use of DRM remains a subject of intense ethical debate. Critics argue that these measures unfairly restrict consumer rights, criminalize reasonable sharing, and create a cumbersome user experience. While some studies suggest that piracy can occasionally increase visibility and sales, many authors and publishers maintain that DRM is a vital defense against the unauthorized appropriation of their creative work.13