# US 2019/0246170 A1 · Systems and methods for controlling access to media assets using two-factor authentication

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- Number: US 2019/0246170 A1
- Document ID: US20190246170A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/066,243
- Filed: 2016-11-14
- Published: 2019-08-08
- Earliest claimed: 2016-10-24
- Assignees: Rovi Guides, Inc.
- Applicants: Rovi Guides, Inc.
- Inventors: Harshith Kumar Gejjegondanahally Sreekanth; Ashwini Dharwa; Sourabh Kumar; Sukanya Agarwal
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190246170A1

## CPC

- H04N 21/4415: using biometric characteristics of the user, e.g. by voice recognition or fingerprint scanning {(cryptography using biological data H04L9/3231; authentication in networks using biometric H04L63/0861)}
- G06F 21/10: Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material (protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16) {; Digital rights management [DRM]}
- G06F 21/121: {Restricting unauthorised execution of programs}
- G06F 21/62: Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
- H04L 63/102: {Entity profiles}
- H04N 21/4227: {Providing} Remote input by a user located remotely from the client device, e.g. at work
- H04N 21/441: Acquiring end-user identification {, e.g. using personal code sent by the remote control or by inserting a card}
- H04N 21/4532: {involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences (monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18)}
- H04N 21/47202: {for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand}
- H04N 21/4751: {for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children}
- H04N 21/4753: {for user identification, e.g. by entering a PIN or password (cryptographic authentication protocols H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08)}
- H04N 21/482: End-user interface for programme selection
- G06F 2221/2149: Restricted operating environment
- H04L 2463/082: applying multi-factor authentication
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)

## Abstract

Systems and methods for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication. In some aspects, a media guidance application (e.g., executed by a set-top box or other user equipment used to store and display media assets) prompts a user for a password (e.g., a personal information number) in order to unlock the content for viewing. In response to receiving a second request from the user to perform an operation related to the media asset (e.g., delete), the media guidance application prompts the user for an additional factor confirming his or her identity, consistent with two-factor authentication protocol. If the user's identity is authenticated as a user that has authority to perform the operation related to the media asset (e.g., delete the stored media asset), the media guidance application performs the operation related to the media asset (e.g., deletes the media asset).

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication, the method comprising:
receiving a first request to access a media asset for viewing and a first input of a first authorization code, wherein access to the media asset is blocked;
based on determining that the received first authorization code matches a stored first identifier, generating for display the media asset;
subsequent to granting access to the media asset, receiving a second request to execute an operation related to the media asset and a second input of a second authorization code;
based on determining that the received second authorization code matches a stored second identifier, executing the operation related to the media asset.

### Claim 2

A method for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication, the method comprising:
receiving a first request to access a media asset for viewing on user equipment, wherein access to the media asset is blocked;
receiving a first input of a first authorization code;
determining that the received first authorization code matches a stored first identifier granting access to view the media asset;
based on determining that the received first authorization code matches the stored first identifier:
generating the media asset for display;
receiving a second request to execute an operation associated with the media asset;
based on receiving the second request:
querying a parental control database for information relating to permissible operations associated with the media asset;
determining from the information that a second authorization code is required to execute the operation associated with the media asset, wherein the second authorization code is generated periodically as a function of time by a token mechanism remote from the user equipment;
receiving a second input of the second authorization code generated at a first time;
transmitting, to an authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time;
in response to transmitting, to the authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time, receiving an indication granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code matching a second identifier generated at the first time; and
based on receiving the indication that the received second authorization code matches the stored second identifier, executing the operation related to the media asset.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein determining that the received first authorization code matches the first stored identifier granting access to view the media asset comprises:
retrieving, from a field in the parental control database including a plurality of entries with stored identifiers associated with users, the first stored identifier;
determining whether the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code by comparing characters of the first stored identifier with characters of the received authorization code; and
in response to determining that the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code:
retrieving a value from a field associated with the first stored identifier; and
determining whether the user identified by the first stored identifier has access to the media asset based on the value.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein generating for display the media asset comprises:
generating an instruction to allow access to view the media asset for a predetermined period of time;
executing the instruction, wherein the instruction stores a temporary indication, in a field associated with the first stored identifier in the parental control database, to allow access to view the media asset;
in response to executing the instruction, monitoring an elapsed time; and
in response to determining the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period of time, deleting the temporary indication to allow access to view the media asset.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, further comprising:
receiving a user input to schedule the media asset for storage;
in response to receiving the user input, generating for display a user interface with a plurality of selectable options for restricting access to a corresponding plurality of operations;
receiving a selection of a selectable option for restricting access to a corresponding operation; and
in response to receiving the selection, storing, in the parental control database, information that the operation requires the second authorization code.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, further comprising:
in response to receiving an indication not granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code not matching the second identifier generated at the first time, querying the parental control database to determine whether there is an alternate second authorization code to allow the operation; and
in response to determining that there is the alternate second authorization code to allow the operation, generating for display an indication to input the alternate second authorization code.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, further comprising:
accessing a user database including identifiers of users who have accessed the media asset;
retrieving, from a field in the user database associated with an identifier, contact information for a device associated with a user who has accessed the media asset; and
transmitting, to the device based on the contact information, a notification to the user that the operation associated with the media asset has been received.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein the field is a first field, further comprising:
receiving, from the device, an indication to prevent the operation; and
storing the indication in a second field of the parental control database associated with the media asset, wherein the indication prevents the operation from being executed.

### Claim 9 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the user equipment is first user equipment, and wherein executing the operation related to the media asset comprises:
accessing blocks of memory containing data corresponding to the media asset; and
copying the data contained in the blocks of memory corresponding to the media asset to second user equipment.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The method of claim 9, further comprising:
in response to copying the data, storing, in a field associated with the media asset in the parental control database, an indication that the media asset has been copied to the second user equipment;
receiving a third request to access the media asset on the first user equipment; and
preventing access to the media asset on the first user equipment while the media asset is copied on the second user equipment.

### Claim 11 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein executing the operation related to the media asset comprises:
accessing a viewing progress data structure containing currently stored media assets; and
storing, in a field for the media asset, an indication that the media asset has been viewed to completion.

### Claim 12

A system for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication, the system comprising:
control circuitry configured to:
receive a first request to access a media asset for viewing on user equipment, wherein access to the media asset is blocked;
receive a first input of a first authorization code;
determine that the received first authorization code matches a stored first identifier granting access to view the media asset;
based on determining that the received first authorization code matches the stored first identifier:
generate the media asset for display;
receive a second request to execute an operation associated with the media asset;
based on receiving the second request:
query a parental control database for information relating to permissible operations associated with the media asset;
determine from the information that a second authorization code is required to execute the operation associated with the media asset, wherein the second authorization code is generated periodically as a function of time by a token mechanism remote from the user equipment;
receive a second input of the second authorization code generated at a first time;
transmit, to an authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time;
in response to transmitting, to the authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time, receive an indication granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code matching a second identifier generated at the first time; and
based on receiving the indication that the received second authorization code matches the stored second identifier, execute the operation related to the media asset.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when determining that the received first authorization code matches the first stored identifier granting access to view the media asset, to:
retrieve, from a field in the parental control database including a plurality of entries with stored identifiers associated with users, the first stored identifier;
determine whether the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code by comparing characters of the first stored identifier with characters of the received authorization code; and
in response to determining that the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code:
retrieve a value from a field associated with the first stored identifier; and
determine whether the user identified by the first stored identifier has access to the media asset based on the value.

### Claim 14 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when generating for display the media asset, to:
generate an instruction to allow access to view the media asset for a predetermined period of time;
execute the instruction, wherein the instruction stores a temporary indication, in a field associated with the first stored identifier in the parental control database, to allow access to view the media asset;
in response to executing the instruction, monitor an elapsed time; and
in response to determining the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period of time, delete the temporary indication to allow access to view the media asset.

### Claim 15 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:
receive a user input to schedule the media asset for storage;
in response to receiving the user input, generate for display a user interface with a plurality of selectable options for restricting access to a corresponding plurality of operations;
receive a selection of a selectable option for restricting access to a corresponding operation; and
in response to receiving the selection, store, in the parental control database, information that the operation requires the second authorization code.

### Claim 16 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:
in response to receiving an indication not granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code not matching the second identifier generated at the first time, query the parental control database to determine whether there is an alternate second authorization code to allow the operation; and
in response to determining that there is the alternate second authorization code to allow the operation, generate for display an indication to input the alternate second authorization code.

### Claim 17 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:
access a user database including identifiers of users who have accessed the media asset;
retrieve, from a field in the user database associated with an identifier, contact information for a device associated with a user who has accessed the media asset; and
transmit, to the device based on the contact information, a notification to the user that the operation associated with the media asset has been received.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The system of claim 17, wherein the field is a first field, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:
receive, from the device, an indication to prevent the operation; and
store the indication in a second field of the parental control database associated with the media asset, wherein the indication prevents the operation from being executed.

### Claim 19 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the user equipment is first user equipment, and wherein the control circuitry is configured, when executing the operation related to the media asset, to:
access blocks of memory containing data corresponding to the media asset; and
copy the data contained in the blocks of memory corresponding to the media asset to second user equipment.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The system of claim 19, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:
in response to copying the data, store, in a field associated with the media asset in the parental control database, an indication that the media asset has been copied to the second user equipment;
receive a third request to access the media asset on the first user equipment; and
prevent access to the media asset on the first user equipment while the media asset is copied on the second user equipment.

### Claim 21 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is further configured, when executing the operation related to the media asset, to:
access a viewing progress data structure containing currently stored media assets; and
store, in a field for the media asset, an indication that the media asset has been viewed to completion.

### Claim 22

An apparatus for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication, the system comprising:
means for receiving a first request to access a media asset for viewing on user equipment, wherein access to the media asset is blocked;
means for receiving a first input of a first authorization code;
means for determining that the received first authorization code matches a stored first identifier granting access to view the media asset;
based on determining that the received first authorization code matches the stored first identifier:
means for generating the media asset for display;
means for receiving a second request to execute an operation associated with the media asset;
based on receiving the second request:
means for querying a parental control database for information relating to permissible operations associated with the media asset;
means for determining from the information that a second authorization code is required to execute the operation associated with the media asset, wherein the second authorization code is generated periodically as a function of time by a token mechanism remote from the user equipment;
means for receiving a second input of the second authorization code generated at a first time;
means for transmitting, to an authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time;
means for, in response to transmitting, to the authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time, receiving an indication granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code matching a second identifier generated at the first time; and
means for, based on receiving the indication that the received second authorization code matches the stored second identifier, executing the operation related to the media asset.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the means for determining that the received first authorization code matches the first stored identifier granting access to view the media asset comprise:
means for retrieving, from a field in the parental control database including a plurality of entries with stored identifiers associated with users, the first stored identifier;
means for determining whether the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code by comparing characters of the first stored identifier with characters of the received authorization code; and
in response to determining that the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code:
means for retrieving a value from a field associated with the first stored identifier, and
means for determining whether the user identified by the first stored identifier has access to the media asset based on the value.

### Claim 24 (depends on 22)

The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the means for generating for display the media asset comprise:
means for generating an instruction to allow access to view the media asset for a predetermined period of time;
means for executing the instruction, wherein the instruction stores a temporary indication, in a field associated with the first stored identifier in the parental control database, to allow access to view the media asset;
means for, in response to executing the instruction, monitoring an elapsed time; and
means for, in response to determining the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period of time, deleting the temporary indication to allow access to view the media asset.

### Claim 25 (depends on 22)

The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:
means for receiving a user input to schedule the media asset for storage;
means for, in response to receiving the user input, generating for display a user interface with a plurality of selectable options for restricting access to a corresponding plurality of operations;
means for receiving a selection of a selectable option for restricting access to a corresponding operation; and
means for, in response to receiving the selection, storing, in the parental control database, information that the operation requires the second authorization code.

### Claim 26 (depends on 22)

The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:
means for, in response to receiving an indication not granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code not matching the second identifier generated at the first time, querying the parental control database to determine whether there is an alternate second authorization code to allow the operation; and
means for, in response to determining that there is the alternate second authorization code to allow the operation, generating for display an indication to input the alternate second authorization code.

### Claim 27 (depends on 22)

The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:
means for accessing a user database including identifiers of users who have accessed the media asset;
means for retrieving, from a field in the user database associated with an identifier, contact information for a device associated with a user who has accessed the media asset; and
means for transmitting, to the device based on the contact information, a notification to the user that the operation associated with the media asset has been received.

### Claim 28 (depends on 27)

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the field is a first field, further comprising:
means for receiving, from the device, an indication prevent the operation; and
means for storing the indication in a second field of the parental control database associated with the media asset, wherein the indication prevents the operation from being executed.

### Claim 29 (depends on 22)

The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the user equipment is first user equipment, and wherein the means for executing the operation related to the media asset comprise:
means for accessing blocks of memory containing data corresponding to the media asset; and
means for copying the data contained in the blocks of memory corresponding to the media asset to second user equipment.

### Claim 30 (depends on 29)

The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising:
means for, in response to copying the data, storing, in a field associated with the media asset in the parental control database, an indication that the media asset has been copied to the second user equipment;
means for receiving a third request to access the media asset on the first user equipment; and
means for preventing access to the media asset on the first user equipment while the media asset is copied on the second user equipment.

### Claim 31 (depends on 22)

The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the means for executing the operation related to the media asset comprise:
means for accessing a viewing progress data structure containing currently stored media assets; and
means for storing, in a field for the media asset, an indication that the media asset has been viewed to completion.

### Claim 32

A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising memory with instructions encoded thereon for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication, the instructions comprising:
instructions to receive a first request to access a media asset for viewing on user equipment, wherein access to the media asset is blocked;
instructions to receive a first input of a first authorization code;
instructions to determine that the received first authorization code matches a stored first identifier granting access to view the media asset;
based on determining that the received first authorization code matches the stored first identifier:
instructions to generate the media asset for display;
instructions to receive a second request to execute an operation associated with the media asset;
based on receiving the second request:
instructions to query a parental control database for information relating to permissible operations associated with the media asset;
instructions to determine from the information that a second authorization code is required to execute the operation associated with the media asset, wherein the second authorization code is generated periodically as a function of time by a token mechanism remote from the user equipment;
instructions to receive a second input of the second authorization code generated at a first time;
instructions to transmit, to an authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time;
instructions to, in response to transmitting, to the authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time, receive an indication granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code matching a second identifier generated at the first time; and
instructions to, based on receiving the indication that the received second authorization code matches the stored second identifier, execute the operation related to the media asset.

### Claim 33 (depends on 32)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 32, wherein the instructions to determine that the received first authorization code matches the first stored identifier granting access to view the media asset comprise:
instructions to retrieve, from a field in the parental control database including a plurality of entries with stored identifiers associated with users, the first stored identifier;
instructions to determine whether the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code by comparing characters of the first stored identifier with characters of the received authorization code; and
in response to determining that the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code:
instructions to retrieve a value from a field associated with the first stored identifier; and
instructions to determine whether the user identified by the first stored identifier has access to the media asset based on the value.

### Claim 34 (depends on 32)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 32, wherein the instructions to generating for display the media asset comprise:
instructions to generate an instruction to allow access to view the media asset for a predetermined period of time;
instructions to execute the instruction, wherein the instruction stores a temporary indication, in a field associated with the first stored identifier in the parental control database, to allow access to view the media asset;
instructions to, in response to executing the instruction, monitor an elapsed time; and
instructions to, in response to determining the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period of time, delete the temporary indication to allow access to view the media asset.

### Claim 35 (depends on 32)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 32, the instructions further comprising:
instructions to receive a user input to schedule the media asset for storage;
instructions to, in response to receiving the user input, generate for display a user interface with a plurality of selectable options for restricting access to a corresponding plurality of operations;
instructions to receive a selection of a selectable option for restricting access to a corresponding operation; and
instructions to, in response to receiving the selection, store, in the parental control database, information that the operation requires the second authorization code.

### Claim 36 (depends on 32)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 32, the instructions further comprising:
instructions to, in response to receiving an indication not granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code not matching the second identifier generated at the first time, query the parental control database to determine whether there is an alternate second authorization code to allow the operation; and
instructions to, in response to determining that there is the alternate second authorization code to allow the operation, generate for display an indication to input the alternate second authorization code.

### Claim 37 (depends on 32)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 32, the instructions further comprising:
instructions to access a user database including identifiers of users who have accessed the media asset;
instructions to retrieve, from a field in the user database associated with an identifier, contact information for a device associated with a user who has accessed the media asset; and
instructions to transmit, to the device based on the contact information, a notification to the user that the operation associated with the media asset has been received.

### Claim 38 (depends on 37)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 37, wherein the field is a first field, and wherein the instructions further comprise:
instructions to receive, from the device, an indication to prevent the operation; and
instructions to store the indication in a second field of the parental control database associated with the media asset, wherein the indication prevents the operation from being executed.

### Claim 39 (depends on 32)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 32, wherein the user equipment is first user equipment, and wherein the instructions to execute the operation related to the media asset comprise:
instructions to access blocks of memory containing data corresponding to the media asset; and
instructions to copy the data contained in the blocks of memory corresponding to the media asset to second user equipment.

### Claim 40 (depends on 39)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 39, the instructions further comprising:
instructions to, in response to copying the data, storing, in a field associated with the media asset in the parental control database, an indication that the media asset has been copied to the second user equipment;
instructions to receive a third request to access the media asset on the first user equipment; and
instructions to prevent access to the media asset on the first user equipment while the media asset is copied on the second user equipment.

### Claim 41 (depends on 32)

The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 32, wherein the instructions to execute the operation related to the media asset comprise:
instructions to access a viewing progress data structure containing currently stored media assets; and
instructions to store, in a field for the media asset, an indication that the media asset has been viewed to completion.

### Claim 42

A method for authorizing operations associated with blocked media assets using two-factor authentication, the method comprising:
receiving a first request to access a media asset for viewing on user equipment, wherein access to the media asset is blocked;
receiving a first input of a first authorization code;
determining that the received first authorization code matches a stored first identifier granting access to view the media asset;
based on determining that the received first authorization code matches the stored first identifier:
generating the media asset for display;
receiving a second request to execute an operation associated with the media asset;
based on receiving the second request:
querying for information relating to permissible operations associated with the media asset;
determining from the information that a second authorization code is required to execute the operation associated with the media asset, wherein the second authorization code is generated periodically as a function of time by a token mechanism remote from the user equipment;
receiving a second input of the second authorization code generated at a first time;
transmitting, to an authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time;
in response to transmitting, to the authorization database, the second authorization code generated at the first time, receiving an indication granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code matching a second identifier generated at the first time; and
based on receiving the indication that the received second authorization code matches the stored second identifier, executing the operation related to the media asset.

### Claim 43 (depends on 42)

The method of claim 42, wherein further comprising:
retrieving, from a field in a parental control database including a plurality of entries with stored identifiers associated with users, the first stored identifier;
determining whether the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code by comparing characters of the first stored identifier with characters of the received authorization code; and
in response to determining that the first stored identifier matches the received authorization code:
retrieving a value from a field associated with the first stored identifier; and
determining whether the user identified by the first stored identifier has access to the media asset based on the value.

### Claim 44 (depends on 42, 43)

The method of any of claims 42-43, further comprising:
generating an instruction to allow access to view the media asset for a predetermined period of time;
executing the instruction, wherein the instruction stores a temporary indication, in a field associated with the first stored identifier in a parental control database, to allow access to view the media asset;
in response to executing the instruction, monitoring an elapsed time; and
in response to determining the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period of time, deleting the temporary indication to allow access to view the media asset.

### Claim 45 (depends on 42, 43, 44)

The method of any of claims 42-44, further comprising:
receiving a user input to schedule the media asset for storage;
in response to receiving the user input, generating for display a user interface with a plurality of selectable options for restricting access to a corresponding plurality of operations;
receiving a selection of a selectable option for restricting access to a corresponding operation; and
in response to receiving the selection, storing, in a parental control database, information that the operation requires the second authorization code.

### Claim 46 (depends on 42, 43, 44, 45)

The method of any of claims 42-45, further comprising:
in response to receiving an indication not granting authorization to execute the operation associated with the media asset based on the transmitted second authorization code not matching the second identifier generated at the first time, querying a parental control database to determine whether there is an alternate second authorization code to allow the operation; and
in response to determining that there is the alternate second authorization code to allow the operation, generating for display an indication to input the alternate second authorization code.

### Claim 47 (depends on 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)

The method of any of claims 42-46, further comprising:
accessing a user database including identifiers of users who have accessed the media asset;
retrieving, from a field in the user database associated with an identifier, contact information for a device associated with a user who has accessed the media asset; and
transmitting, to the device based on the contact information, a notification to the user that the operation associated with the media asset has been received.

### Claim 48 (depends on 47)

The method of claim 47, wherein the field is a first field, further comprising:
receiving, from the device, an indication to prevent the operation; and
storing the indication in a second field of the parental control database associated with the media asset, wherein the indication prevents the operation from being executed.

### Claim 49 (depends on 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)

The method of any of claims 42-47, further comprising:
accessing blocks of memory containing data corresponding to the media asset; and
copying the data contained in the blocks of memory corresponding to the media asset to second user equipment.

### Claim 50 (depends on 49)

The method of claim 49, further comprising:
in response to copying the data, storing, in a field associated with the media asset in the parental control database, an indication that the media asset has been copied to the second user equipment;
receiving a third request to access the media asset on the first user equipment; and
preventing access to the media asset on the first user equipment while the media asset is copied on the second user equipment.

### Claim 51 (depends on 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)

The method of any of claims 42-50, further comprising:
accessing a viewing progress data structure containing currently stored media assets; and
storing, in a field for the media asset, an indication that the media asset has been viewed to completion.