Why multi-layered security is essential in protecting the future of FAST channels

The free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) market is experiencing rapid growth, with global sports channel viewership on FAST platforms increasing by 150% (Amagi) over the past year.

This surge in popularity has attracted not only more viewers but also greater scrutiny from content owners and advertisers who demand robust protection. With major live events, premium episodic content, and original programming entering the FAST lineup, security needs are rising to protect this content from piracy threats. For FAST providers, meeting these demands means moving beyond basic encryption to implement a comprehensive anti-piracy toolkit.

FAST’s expansion into high-value content

FAST providers are now exploring more lucrative content offerings to stay competitive in a saturated market. Live sports, in particular, are merging into the FAST landscape as partnerships between sports leagues and streaming platforms grow. Since these events typically attract high levels of piracy, they exemplify the need for stringent content security to meet licensing standards and secure ad revenue. Also, prominent news organizations distribute select channels on FAST platforms to expand their reach.

Comprehensive protection is crucial to meeting licensing requirements with more high-value content moving into the FAST ecosystem. This includes combining digital rights management (DRM) with advanced tracking technologies like forensic watermarking and digital fingerprinting to trace unauthorized redistribution.

Evolution of content security in FAST

Initially, FAST content required only basic DRM to prevent unauthorized access. Today, as more live and high-value content becomes available on FAST platforms, many providers are turning to advanced tracking solutions. These include forensic watermarking and digital fingerprinting—tools designed to trace leaks and identify unauthorized streams quickly. Forensic watermarking embeds invisible data into streams, allowing providers to trace pirated content back to its source, while fingerprinting creates unique digital identifiers for each piece of content, enabling fast detection of stolen streams.

Learn more about how multi-layered security protects FAST content in our white paper, Protecting FAST for the Win: How Strong DRM Boosts ROI​.

Piracy in the live-streaming era

With live streaming now accounting for over half of the OTT market, it has become a significant target for piracy, particularly for live sports, concerts, and other high-profile events. Live sports streaming alone incurs annual piracy-related losses of over $28 billion (SportsPro Media). Protecting these streams becomes essential as ad revenue tied to live-streamed content grows. Forensic watermarking and digital fingerprinting are now integral tools in the fight against piracy, allowing providers to identify stolen streams in real-time and take immediate counteractive measures.

For further insights on combating piracy in live streaming, check out our white paper series Combating the Latest Threats to Live Streaming, Part 1 and Part 2

The role of advanced tracking in FAST

Beyond encryption, advanced tracking technologies enable content providers to trace the origins of pirated content. By using forensic watermarking and digital fingerprinting, FAST providers gain a multi-layered defense that deters piracy and allows the identification and disruption of illegal streaming networks. Here’s a closer look at these tools:

• Fingerprinting for detection. This technology assigns a unique identifier to each piece of content, which can be quickly detected if pirated. Integrated with automated monitoring systems, fingerprinting can locate stolen content across platforms, from illegal websites to mobile apps and social media.
• Watermarking for source identification. Watermarking adds an invisible marker in the video stream, helping providers trace pirated content back to its source. This tool is essential for live-streamed events where rapid response is key. Providers can take swift action once pirated streams are located, such as issuing takedown requests or notifying ISPs to block access.

Benefits of an integrated security strategy

The challenges posed by content piracy require FAST providers to adopt integrated, cloud-based solutions that combine DRM, watermarking, and fingerprinting capabilities into a unified workflow. An integrated solution enables providers to protect content at scale without burdening in-house resources or complicating operational workflows. By managing multi-DRM, fingerprinting, and forensic watermarking from a centralized platform, FAST providers gain:

• Real-time anti-piracy actions. Integrated solutions allow for immediate identification and disruption of unauthorized streams, protecting live and on-demand content alike.
• Cost-effective operations. Cloud-based platforms help streamline operations, reducing the need for costly hardware and minimizing operational overhead.
• Enhanced licensing compliance. With a comprehensive anti-piracy solution, providers can confidently meet licensing requirements, allowing them to expand programming with premium content and retain competitive advantages.

Challenges and future directions

As the FAST ecosystem evolves, content protection will remain a key priority. The ongoing rise of live content in FAST channels points to an increasing need for real-time monitoring and response capabilities. At the same time, the industry will need to continue innovating to address emerging threats in the digital piracy landscape, such as new forms of ad-supported piracy and more sophisticated content extraction techniques.

To stay ahead, FAST providers should adopt security solutions that are not only robust but also adaptable, supporting various content types, distribution platforms, and engagement models. As security requirements grow, FAST providers prioritizing advanced, multi-layered protection will be better positioned to attract high-value content partners and offer a trusted viewing experience for audiences.

Conclusion 

The rise of high-value live and on-demand programming in the FAST space has introduced new challenges that demand advanced protection strategies. By adopting integrated solutions that combine DRM, forensic fingerprinting, and watermarking, FAST providers can protect their content, meet licensing requirements, and safeguard revenue streams from the growing threat of piracy.

In this dynamic market, staying agile and proactive about security is essential. The FAST providers that lead in content protection will fulfill licensing obligations and stand out in a crowded field, ready to capitalize on the expanding demand for secure, ad-supported streaming.

Secure your FAST channels with advanced, multi-layered protection. Learn how to combat piracy and safeguard revenue with our industry-leading content protection strategies.