If there was some way we could verify DRM was "what it says on the tin," it could be a tremendous tool for ensuring our privacy and freedom online. When big companies DRM content, it limits our freedom, but if we could DRM our own data, it limits big company and government abuses.
However, there is admittedly a big caveat here. I don't know of a workable way to know that DRM is "what it says on the tin." Big business and governments could place back doors into such mechanisms, which would put us in an even worse position than where we are now.
Audited open source DRM could work if it ran on trusted computing hardware, but that's a double-edged sword.
Also, the imbalance of power between companies and individuals is so great that I don't think any amount of DRM can overcome it. Companies can afford to not negotiate with individuals.
However, there is admittedly a big caveat here. I don't know of a workable way to know that DRM is "what it says on the tin." Big business and governments could place back doors into such mechanisms, which would put us in an even worse position than where we are now.