A content distribution system allowing user authentication to be performed
to identify a user in content transaction, thereby permitting the content
to be used. The content is distributed with a secure container. The
secure container includes the content enciphered with a content key and
container information in which the content transaction condition is set.
The container information includes an identification certificate
identifier list. An identification certificate contains a template
serving as personal identification data of a user who is to receive the
content and it is identified in accordance with the list. A service
provider, a user device, or the like authenticates the user in accordance
with the identified certificate, and then permits the content to be used.