scope:

This International Standard specifies a container format, which can contain any type of content and can also transport additional metadata. This packaging mechanism offers the possibility to enrich the content with human and machine-readable metadata and is not limited to a specific content type. Unlike other application formats, the open access application format is not a multimedia-based format.

The open access application format doesn't use encryption mechanisms to protect the access of the content. However the content can be protected by digital signatures, which allow the verification of the integrity, authenticity and non-repudiation of the content.