1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving a request to access a digital content item that includes multiple portions, the request including a content identifier associated with the digital content item; responsive to the request, identifying, using the content identifier, access polices for the digital content item, the access policies including access controls for the multiple portions of the digital content item, each access control corresponding to a respective portion and comprising a portion identifier for the respective portion and zero or more types of permission to the respective portion; and selectively enabling access to a first portion of the digital content item by providing at least one type of permission to the first portion specified by a first access control comprising a first portion identifier for the first portion.