Protect audio file from being downloaded while still being playable through JQuery JPlayer

Question

I have audio files saved in a folder on my server. They are called by JQuery JPlayer to be played. However if a person looks at the source of the page, they can find the l

Answer 1

It's impossible to stop a savvy user stealing your media. But if you like, you could

• use oAuth to govern access to the media resource
• teach your server to only respond to media requests that contain "special" HTTP Headers, Cookies etc.
• use DRM (washes mouth out)
• some other URL obfuscating/expiring method you dream up..

To save time, i suggest you accept whatever you publish can be copied / taken. So, why not publish

• a sample snippet (e.g. the first minute)
• A lower-bitrate / mono taster version

Recently, a widget allowing you to stream Paul McCartney's new album was published in the Guardian.. how this is "secure" i don't know, I opened Chrome Dev Tools Network tab and helped myself to anything "audio/mpeg"!

Answer 2

I found a possible answer for you, using PHP: Solution using PHP sessions

It's a long thread, but there's code there that will help you.

Answer 3

You should be aware (just in case you're not) that if someone can play the file in their browser, there is nothing to stop them playing the file and using recording software to capture the audio.