DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. It's a piece of software that's 'supposed' to prevent book piracy, but what ends up happening is that honest readers get locked into certain retailers and platforms.

You know how sometimes you buy a DRM-'protected' book through Apple Books, then can't read it on your Kindle or Kobo (or beloved retro hot pick Sony eReader)? That's DRM in action.

This isn't usually a problem if you only ever stick with one online bookstore. But if your situation ever changes, for example,

• you get a different reading device (eg. a Kobo instead of a Kindle);
• you move to a part of the world not covered by your old store;
• your store shuts down and deletes all its books (this has happened);
• your store removes books without notice (this has happened too); or
• your store's device/software releases an update that ruins your reading experience;
• you discover your bookstore behaves horrendously and no longer wish to support them,

you won't be able to take your purchases with you.

DRM means you never truly own your purchases. You just possess them on a loan-like arrangement where the rules are dictated by the bookstore you're renting them from.

DRM doesn't really prevent book piracy. People determined to steal a book only have to work a tiny bit harder to remove a DRM lock, which is considered against the law -- but the legalities also cause problems for readers who paid for the book.

Consider that ebooks rely on ebook reading software to work. If the ebook reading software you use gets updated (which can happen at any time), and the update is incompatible with your ebook file, the only way you can access your book would be by breaking the law, even though you paid for a copy of the book!

There's a downside for the authors of those books too, as they end up trapped in the bizarre "chokepoint capitalism" situation we now find ourselves in. DRM puts both creative people and booklovers at the mercy of Big Business.

Right now, it's impossible to completely avoid DRM, as authors and small publishers don't always get a say in how their book gets listed for sale. But DRM-free options are out there.

Here are some tips for finding them:

• Check if the ebook you want is listed on Smashwords.com, Leanpub.com or available directly from the author (often via a third party like SendOwl, Payhip or Gumroad), as these channels don't automatically apply DRM.

• When buying from Kobo, look for DRM-Free in the Download Options under eBook Details at the bottom of the listing page. By the way, sometimes books listed with DRM on other platforms can also be found DRM-free here.

• When buying from Apple Books, look for the line "At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management)". Not all publishers and distributors have the power to do this with Apple Books, but some do.

• When buying from Amazon, look for Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited in the book's product details. Books with this note in their listing are DRM-free.

• Join author/publisher review teams. Indie authors and small publishers often provide advance reader copies for free without DRM in exchange for a review. Alternatively, join sites like BookSirens, HiddenGemsBooks and Booksprout for a variety of advance reader copies that don't tend to be DRM-locked.

• Look for promotions through StoryOrigin, Bookfunnel.com and ProlificWorks.com. The freebies and ARC (advance reader copies) provided through these channels don't tend to be DRM-locked.

• If you don't mind the price and wait, grab a paperback copy instead. Physical books don't come with DRM or creepy spying software.