A method and system for preventing unauthorized recording of media content
in an iTunes.TM. environment. Embodiment of the method begins by
activating a compliance mechanism in response to receiving media content
at a client system. The media content is received from a content provider
providing content in a format compatible with an iTunes.TM. media
service. Also, the client system has a media content presentation
application that is capable of handling the media content operable
thereon and coupled to the compliance mechanism. The method continues by
controlling a data output path carrying the media content of the client
system with the compliance mechanism. Thereafter, the method directs the
media content to a custom media device coupled that is coupled to the
compliance mechanism via the data output path. In this way, the
embodiment of the method is capable of selectively restricting output of
the media content.