Embodiments of the present invention include a control code read-out system in which a control code for access restriction corresponding to a playback control code of a recording medium is held in a playback apparatus, and the control code held in the playback apparatus is read-out when the recording medium is played back, and a comparison between the playback control code of the recording medium to be played back and the control code stored in the playback apparatus being made, and playback of the recording medium being performed only when there is coincidence between the two control codes. One embodiment of the system comprises a first portion for encrypting the control code of the playback apparatus and storing an encrypted control code in a control code storage portion, a second portion for read-out the encrypted control code from the control code storage portion, and decrypting, when playing back the recording medium.