Press release
Darmstadt, Feb 9, 2006
for immediate release

Darmstadt, 2-9-2006 - The Fraunhofer Integrated Publication and Information Systems Institute (IPSI) in Darmstadt will present two software prototypes for tracking pirated files in file sharing networks at CeBIT 2006 (9-15 March 2006, Hall 9, Fraunhofer Booth B36, workstation 5.1). Computer scientists in IPSI's Merit division working in the field of media security have to this end combined their watermarking technology with a monitoring client for file-sharing networks. (www.ipsi.de/watermark)

The concept is based on making software appear as if it were a user in a file-sharing network which then downloads potentially illegal copies of content and scans them for watermarks. These inaudible digital watermarks developed at IPSI are already being used in online portals such as libri.de, soforthoeren.de and diadopo.

Up to now the greatest challenge in the use of digital watermarks has been to trace watermarked content when it has been used for illegal purposes. The new system automatically examines files on the network according to predefined criteria such as file type or file name. Unlike many other measures to prevent illegal use of file-sharing networks, individual users do not need to be identified.

Digital watermarks more customer-friendly than DRM

Fraunhofer researchers see their watermarking technology and the associated developments currently emerging as an alternative to restrictive digital rights management (DRM) systems, which require special players and frequent connections to the internet to validate content with online music or audiobook providers. "Our customers are all too aware that private users only have a limited budget for consumer electronics and would rather sell their watermark protected files than promote the purchase of new hardware. End users are happy if they can play their audio files on any cheap standard player withourt DRM or can burn a CD as a private copy for their car radio", explained Fraunhofer researcher Sascha Zmudzinski, who holds a Master's degree in physics.

Online stop sign

In addition to the scanning of file-sharing networks, a strategy is currently being investigated at Fraunhofer IPSI which intervenes even earlier. Users of peer-to-peer networks can search for files on the basis of, for instance, titles, file size or file type. A prototype developed at IPSI can respond to such search requests in a number of ways. For example, a warning message can be sent anonymously to a participant in a file-sharing network informing him that the file requested by him is an illegal copy and he should refrain from downloading it. The tool is designed to act as a deterrent for users who believe that they are trading unobserved on file-sharing networks and should draw their attention to the illegality of their activities.

Both technologies are to be found in research prototypes which are currently at an advanced stage of development. In collaboration with interested industrial partners these could, however, be developed and extended rapidly to become systems suitable for practical use. IPSI's digital media watermarks are also available for image and video data, do not alter the file format and cannot be traced without prior knowledge of the watermarking software used as well as of a previously agreed secret key. For these reasons someone making illegal copies can in practice have little opportunity to even check if his attempts to remove the watermark were successful. Field tests have proved that digital watermarks can even withstand analogue re-recording with a microphone of a piece of music played through speakers, scanning of a watermarked photograph or filming of a watermarked video with a camcorder.

text file version

photo:

Dr. Martin Steinebach of Fraunhofer IPSI explains the automated monitoring of watermarked material.
Photo: Fraunhofer IPSI, publication allowed.

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