various embodiments facilitate secure content sharing between a plurality of receiving devices , such as set - top boxes . one embodiment is a system with a distribution server communicatively coupled via a satellite communication system to a plurality of set - top boxes that are located at different customer premises . the distribution server is operable to provide access control information via the satellite communication system to a first set - top box and a second set - top box of the plurality , with the access control information enabling the first set - top box to securely share content of the first set - top box with the second set - top box . this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract , and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims .