Location Based Encryption & Its Role In Digital Cinema Distribution

This paper starts by describing a geo-encryption approach that builds on established cryptographic algorithms and protocols in a way that provides an additional layer of security beyond that provided by conventional cryptography. It allows data to be encrypted for a specific locations or for specific areas, e.g. a studios campus area. Constraints in time and velocity as well as location can also be enforced. We then discuss a process of applying successive geo-encryptions at the originating node to enforce specific geographic routings for transmission to the final destination node. We then describe the process of creating and distributing digital cinema content with an eye towards security requirements. One of the more difficult issues is the large number of mutually mistrustful parties involved in the process. We specifically show how time location constraints introduced via geo-encryption can provide architectural features needed to allow untrusted parties to act cooperatively to bring the exhibition to the screen while maintaining a high degree of protection against piracy. Suborning a single party does not lead to loss of the film. We also show how these mechanisms can help protect the fiduciary interests of the various parties by giving each an enforceable say in whether or not the exhibition can proceed.