Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a content distribution network server, a first request for content, the first request for content comprising an identifier of a location of the content. Playback of the requested content is caused to begin at a client device. A content-based authentication token generated by the client device is received, wherein the content-based authentication token is associated with a second request for content that is initiated by the client device, and the content-based authentication token is sent for verification by a content sharing platform. Responsive to receiving an indication that the content-based authentication token is valid, playback of the requested content is caused to continue at the client device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a content sharing platform, a request for content from a client device, the request for content comprising a session-based authentication token that pertains to a session between the client device and the content sharing platform. The content sharing platform can further validate the session-based authentication token and cause playback of the requested content to begin at the client device. Responsive to a valid content-based authentication token supplied by the client device, the content sharing platform can cause playback of the requested content to continue at the client device, wherein the valid content-based authentication token is based on an identifier of the requested content.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a processing device of a content sharing platform, a request for desired content from a client device, the content being stored in a content delivery network (CDN). The method further includes generating, based on data available to the content sharing platform, a partial trust metric associated with the client device, wherein the partial trust metric is to be used by a CDN server to make a decision regarding access to the desired content by the client device. The method further includes generating a response to the content request, wherein the response comprises one or more resource locators for accessing the desired content in the CDN, and the partial trust metric. The method further includes sending the response to the client device to enable the client device to request the desired content from the CDN server using the resource locator(s) and the partial trust metric.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a content sharing platform, a request for content from a client device, the request for content comprising a session-based authentication token that pertains to a session between the client device and the content sharing platform. The content sharing platform can further validate the session-based authentication token and cause playback of the requested content to begin at the client device. Responsive to a valid content-based authentication token supplied by the client device, the content sharing platform can cause playback of the requested content to continue at the client device, wherein the valid content-based authentication token is based on an identifier of the requested content.