TECHNICAL MEANS OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION AS TOOLS TO COMBAT E-BOOK PIRACY

Abstract

With the development of digital technologies, the issue of copyright protection is becoming increasingly relevant, especially in the field of electronic books. This is due to the relentless growth of content, the convenience of distribution via the Internet, and technological capabilities for copying without quality loss. Consequently, there is a need to develop effective means of protecting copyright. The article discusses the main aspects of copyright protection, including legal foundations, technical methods to combat piracy, and their effectiveness. In particular, it analyzes the current situation regarding user assessments of existing protection systems and their attitudes toward piracy, which remains one of the main obstacles to the development of the electronic book market. Special attention is given to the study of technical methods such as DRM, encryption, watermarks, online activation, and code obfuscation, along with their advantages and disadvantages. For example, DRM can restrict legitimate use of content, provoking negative reactions from users, whereas watermarks allow identification of the original source without loss of quality or content. The article notes that no single method provides full guarantees of protection, which necessitates a comprehensive approach. Based on the analysis of existing problems, an innovative method of protecting electronic books is proposed, based on the combination of a dynamic digital signature and blockchain technology. The dynamic signature allows changing authorization data depending on the user, while blockchain ensures tamper-proof records and traceability of all operations related to the content. The article also discusses challenges and limitations associated with implementing new protection methods and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines technical, economic, and educational measures for effective fight against piracy in the digital environment. The piracy problem cannot be solved solely through technical means — effective cooperation between rights holders, technology developers, and users is essential. Only through joint efforts at national and international levels can sustainable and effective copyright protection in the digital age be achieved.