A client device includes a network interface that is coupled to receive media content and server time data via a network, wherein the media content is protected by digital rights management data. A processing device executes a digital rights management application for validating playback of media content based on the digital rights management data and further based on secure clock data. The processing device includes a processor clock that generates processor clock data. A memory stores the secure clock data, the digital rights management application and the digital rights management data. A system clock generates system clock data. The digital rights management application generates the secure clock data based on the server time data, the system clock data and the processor clock data.