Member Avatar for bongobob

I believe it's possible to prevent copying of downloaded Microsoft text files, in the form of a book, by having them 'locked' to the IP number of the particular PC to which they are downloaded. Can anyone please tell me how to perform this function? Thank you.

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— short, practical reply that builds on the thread: IP-based locking is not a reliable anti-piracy method. Instead, use a combination of format-level protection, controlled delivery, and traceable watermarking. Below are realistic options and a simple workflow you can apply.

  • Protect at the file level: deliver the book as an encrypted/DRM-enabled format rather than a plain text file. For ePub consider Readium LCP (); for PDFs look to vendor solutions such as Adobe Digital Editions/Content Server (Adobe Digital Editions). For Office formats consider Microsoft information-protection tools (Azure Information Protection).
  • Use server-side controls: host the download behind an authenticated portal and issue a per-user license or decryption key from a license server. Serve content inside a controlled viewer when possible (client apps or an in-browser viewer).
  • Add forensic and visible watermarks: embed buyer-identifying info into each copy so leaks can be traced. See background on watermarking (Digital watermarking).

Suggested minimal workflow

  1. Export to a format that supports DRM (ePub/PDF/Office).
  2. Add a visible buyer watermark (email/order id) during generation.
  3. Protect with DRM or encrypt and deliver the key only after authentication.
  4. Monitor downloads and be prepared to revoke licenses.

Caveat: no technical measure is foolproof and DRM increases support overhead. For policy/rights context, see EFF commentary on DRM (EFF DRM). and raised valid practical concerns — weigh user friction against the level of protection you need.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

thats kind of a bad idea as

a: you cant do this with a text file

b: peoples Ip adresses change. My ISP changes mine every 60 mins.

Member Avatar for DanceInstructor

Agreed. This would not be an efficient nor effective approach.

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