This application relates to embodiments for providing a content stream to a device from a content server based on a protocol that is established between the device and an account server. The account server can initiate a session with the device and provide the device with a list of channels available for a user account associated with the device. When a channel is selected at the device, conditional access information can be provided from the account server to the device, which can thereafter relay the conditional access information to the content server. The content server can use the conditional access information to verify that the device has the appropriate permission to receive streaming content. In this way, because the conditional access information originates at the account server, permission to access streaming content can be managed by correspondence between the account server and the device, rather than the content server.