Data is like 'electronic IP' such as videos, music and computer programs in that it's a precious resource that's easily stolen.

The problem is that it's not easy to secure. Physical things can be stuck in a vault or watched over by armed guards. Electronic IP can be swiped in the blink of an eye and replicated many times once obtained.

It's a hard problem. To date, only ham-fisted excessive financial fines have been used to scare the general public. That technique isn't viable for the long term-- we need something better.