A method for providing access to media content from a media content provider is performed at an electronic device. The method includes receiving, from a client device, a request for access to a media item. The request for access includes a self-describing user-identifier. The method includes, in response to the request for access to the media item, initiating an analysis to determine whether the client device is authorized to access the media item, the analysis including an examination of a media consumption log associated with the client device. The media consumption log stores data representing self-describing user-identifiers. The analysis includes, based on the examination of the media consumption log, detecting multiple requests from different self-describing user identifiers corresponding to the client device to determine whether the client device has reached an access limit and, when the client device has reached the access limit, terminating access to the media item.