The present invention provides a configuration that verifies erased contents at a check-out destination efficiently and properly. A portable device or other apparatus at a contents check-out destination retains an erased contents management file, which registers contents identification information corresponding to check-out contents erased in the portable device or the like. A personal computer at a contents check-out source performs an erased contents verification process in accordance with the information registered in the erased contents management file and performs an update process (check-in process) on a check-out counter for contents whose erasure has been verified. Even if a large amount of check-out contents exists, the present invention can efficiently perform an erased contents verification process and check-in process.