What is the role of digital rights management (DRM) in document security?

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DRM focuses on controlling access and how a document can be used to protect intellectual property. It sets permissions for who can view, copy, share, print, or edit a document and can enforce those rules across devices and apps. This means even if someone gets the file, they’re limited to what the license allows. For example, a corporate PDF might be viewable but not easily forwarded or edited, and an e-book might prevent copying or printing beyond what the license permits. DRM is not about automatic backups, which are handled by backup software; it isn’t primarily about tracking hardware usage, which is more about asset management; and it doesn’t typically delete documents after a fixed period—what matters is controlling access according to the license. That's why describing DRM as controlling how documents can be used, shared, and edited to protect intellectual property is the best answer.