Broadcast flag definition
A broadcast flag was a digital signal used in TV broadcasts to stop unauthorized recording and sharing of high-quality digital content. It was designed to protect movies and shows from being copied and sold without permission.
The FCC required that all digital TVs include the broadcast flag from 2003 to prevent unauthorized copying of TV shows and movies. However, it faced backlash because it also stopped people from using their legally purchased content in ways they wanted, like saving or sharing it, which many felt was too restrictive. As a result, the flag was blocked by a court in 2005, making it a very short-lived solution.
See also: fixed wireless access
How did the broadcast flag work?
- A tiny piece of code was embedded in a digital TV broadcast.
- When a TV or recording device detected this code, it knew to block or restrict the recording or copying of that content.
- This prevented users from saving, sharing, or making high-quality copies of the show or movie so that the content couldn’t be easily distributed without permission.
Modern alternatives to the broadcast flag
- Digital rights management (DRM) is a technology that controls how digital content can be used, copied, and shared. It works by setting rules and permissions for the content, which are checked whenever someone tries to access or use it. For example, DRM might allow you to stream a movie on Netflix but not let you download it.
- HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is a security protocol designed to put a stop to unauthorized copying of high-definition digital content as it’s sent between devices. For instance, HDCP makes sure that a Blu-ray player can send a movie to your TV without letting other devices capture or record it.
