The invention provides a network video access permission identification method, apparatus and system, and a permission encryption method and apparatus, and relates to the technical field of internet video information. Permission information sent by a video client is identified, a corresponding decryption algorithm and a decryption key are determined through predetermined rules, and thus the permission information is decrypted. When the decrypted permission information conforms to predetermined conditions, it is determined that permission identification succeeds. In the permission identification process, a user does not have to register an account in advance by use of the video client, and user experience is improved. At the same time, decryption of the permission information requires use of a correct decryption algorithm and a correct decryption key at the same time, and otherwise, correct permission information cannot be obtained, such that the risk of being captured, analyzed and cracked during the communication process is avoided. In addition, the decryption algorithm and the decryption key are independent of each other so that even if one of the two is cracked, the system security can be ensured through the protection strategy of the other.