View/read file, don't allow it to be copied

[14049752]

This is a question a friend asked, and I don't have an answer, so I thought maybe someone here would have a solution.


Is there a way to make a system/user be able to read a file, but not be able to copy it from the system or a server? The files would be things like PowerPoint presentations or movies, basically files used in an educational environment (my friend's school in China).

He wants his employees (teachers) to be able to open and use the files for their classes, but he wants to prevent theft of his lessons so that his teachers can't just take his work and use it for their profit. I thought of just disabling removable storage on the workstations, but he wants to allow that, so that teachers can bring in movies and video on flash drives.

Any ideas? OS is Windows 7 on all machines.

 

[Vicenarian]

I think Google Docs has a feature where you can allow view, but disable download of files.

Edit: See the answer posted here:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/12108585/google-docs-viewer-disable-download

Edit:

Office 365 apparently has something similar?
http://community.office365.com/en-us/f/148/t/157716.aspx

 

[Markverhyden]

No. There are all types of techniques to limit how someone can interact with a document but none are 100%. To allow read is to allow copy. Ever heard of screen shots? Screen recording?

 

[14049752]

No. There are all types of techniques to limit how someone can interact with a document but none are 100%. To allow read is to allow copy. Ever heard of screen shots? Screen recording?

Ah, but if you take screen shots or record the screen, those files are now on the computer...So, if you prevent all files from being copied, it won't do any good.



I got a PM from AliceKlaar, linking me to this: http://icafeph.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/protect-files-from-being-copied/


Looks like it fits the bill

 

[14049752]

I think Google Docs has a feature where you can allow view, but disable download of files.

Edit: See the answer posted here:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/12108585/google-docs-viewer-disable-download

Edit:

Office 365 apparently has something similar?
http://community.office365.com/en-us/f/148/t/157716.aspx

Thanks, it's something to consider. Since it's online based and in China, it might not be the best option to use Google (especially) and O365.

 

[Markverhyden]

Ah, but if you take screen shots or record the screen, those files are now on the computer...So, if you prevent all files from being copied, it won't do any good.



I got a PM from AliceKlaar, linking me to this: http://icafeph.wordpress.com/2013/03/02/protect-files-from-being-copied/


Looks like it fits the bill

There are many things you can do. But with technology today it is impossible to prevent that from happening without imposing truly draconian measures. Remember that recording a screen shot or video does not have to happen on the computer. Think smartphone. Think printer. Think webcam.

In the end a site needs to implement processes, procedures, and policies to ensure that the people present will not have a reason to engage in this type of activity.

Edit: Don't get me wrong. My point is the bigger picture. What your friend needs to focus on is protecting his/her intellectual property. Copying files is a small part of that. Are all of the files password protected against editing? Are all of the pages watermarked? Is there a copyright statement on every single page? Some copying is inevitable, especially when someone claims Fair Use Doctrine. In the event of a copyright violation all of the i's need to be dotted along with the t's being crossed to enable a solid claim to be made and defended.

 

[14049752]

Edit: Don't get me wrong. My point is the bigger picture. What your friend needs to focus on is protecting his/her intellectual property. Copying files is a small part of that. Are all of the files password protected against editing? Are all of the pages watermarked? Is there a copyright statement on every single page? Some copying is inevitable, especially when someone claims Fair Use Doctrine. In the event of a copyright violation all of the i's need to be dotted along with the t's being crossed to enable a solid claim to be made and defended.

Yeah, I get what you're saying. These aren't computer techs, they're English teachers in China...and...not to insult anyone specifically, but sometimes they're not the cream of the crop...trustworthiness, work ethic, ability, etc. In addition to making policy and procedures, he IS trying to lock his systems down in a draconian way, because his goal is to live in the states and make regular visits back to his business, while trusting his management to keep things in order. But, the teachers will have direct access to the computers for their classes, and likely plenty of time to try to copy files if they're inclined.

Copyright and fair use may as well not even apply in China...and he'd have nearly no way of knowing anyone stole his material. The teacher could teach for the contract, all the while gathering up lessons, software, etc...then go out and try to start their own school. Basically with very little way for my friend to have them held accountable.


So, yeah, files that can be password protected are going to be. Files that people don't need will be taken away. Locking the systems down, to at least make copying more difficult, is just one part of the plan. I'm basically just advising him of things he should do, while still keeping the systems usable.

 

[Megaarch]

I've dealt with similar situations when I was teaching in Korea. The only time I felt it necessary to lay claim to my work would be if another teacher tried to take credit for my work. Other than that my work, in the setting I was in, was for the benefit of the students and I had no problem sharing any of my work.
You also have to take into account there are unlimited resources in the ESL field and is your friends stuff really that important/unreplaceable to protect anyways. I say this because I knew some teachers who obsessed over this kind of stuff, and by no means did it help them professionally or personally.

If I was your friend I'd watermark my stuff and be done with it, other than that he's wasting his time.