A data transmit/receive unit receives encrypted digital data distributed
through an electronic music distribution system and records the digital
data on a primary recording medium. Digital data have been encrypted in
different encryption systems according to the distributers, and include
attribute information indicating the encryption systems. The encryption
system of digital data that has been extracted by a data extraction unit
is judged by a judging unit and decrypted by an appropriate decryption
unit. An inherent information obtaining unit obtains the identification
information of a secondary recording medium or a playback apparatus
according to whether the secondary recording medium can be removable from
the playback apparatus. An encryption system designation unit selects one
out of a plurality of encryption units according to the obtained
identification information. The selected encryption unit creates a
encryption key according to the identification information and encrypts
the digital data. A recording unit records the digital data on the
secondary recording medium. An accounting unit charges according to
accounting information in the attribute information.
