Watermarks to protect MP3s from piracy

The inventors of the incredibly popular MP3 format are now working on some prototype technology to battle piracy over peer-to-peer networks. Fraunhofer Institute researchers are applying digital watermarking technology to the audio files, which they say can automatically track pirating over these online “sharing” programs that seem to be all the rage.

The German company is promoting the watermarking technique as an alternative to troublesome and problem-ridden DRM (digital rights management) systems which Michael Kip, spokesperson for Fraunhofer, says is prone to hacking.

The watermarking technology will allow content providers to make slight changes to the data found in their downloadable MP3 files. Minute differences like slightly higher volume intensity in one part of the song will not be noticed by even the best trained human ears. An additional “hash value” is also imbedded, acting as a digital fingerprint linking the provider and registered purchaser.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Fraunhofer approach is that it aims to monitor uploads rather than downloads of illegally “shared” content. Content providers can set up applications that automatically monitor P-to-P networks for the digital fingerprints, and take whatever actions they deem necessary.

Look for a demonstration of Fraunhofer’s watermarking technique at next month’s Cebit trade show in Hanover, Germany.