Consumers’ access to content will be negatively affected.

On-demand online services are characterised by the unique features they provide to consumers and users (permanent or time-limited access such as listen or view only, transactional or subscription models, streaming, sharing playlists, portability of services on mobile devices, ad-supported access models and many more).

The on-demand services that are a significant and successful part of online distribution models, in particular transaction-based models or subscription models, are all enabled by the use of TPMs – digital technologies that enable tailored access to authorised customers, while at the same time preventing unauthorised access or use.

Undermining the ability of rightsholders to deploy technological protection measures would limit their ability to invest in the development, production, marketing and distribution of content. It would also limit their ability to recoup the significant investments undertaken as part of this process. The ability of rightsholders to offer European consumers a wide array of content, and, a means of enjoying access on multiple different commercial terms, would be severely reduced.