What term describes the requirement of a paid subscription to access published online material?

• A. Digital paywall
• B. Paywall
• C. Open access
• D. Metered access

Answer: (A)

Access to published online material behind a paid subscription is described by a paywall. The term that fits this online context most precisely is digital paywall, because it signals that the gating mechanism is implemented in the digital environment of online content. A general paywall is correct in meaning, but specifying digital makes it crystal clear that the restriction applies to online materials. Open access means the content is free to all, which is the opposite of a paid requirement. Metered access allows a limited number of free reads before a subscription is needed, so it doesn’t match the scenario that requires a subscription for full access.