php - 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 location of the file and simply download it. I want to protect the files from being downloadable, but still allow JPlayer to play them. Is this possible?

I have tried denying the folder with .htaccess as well as password protecting the folder, but this prevents JPlayer from being able to play the files.

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"!