The present invention is intended to prevent sold digital information from
being used in a non-compliant manner. Digital information accumulation
capability 212 accumulates digital information 6 to be sold. License
generating capability 227 generates the usage conditions for digital
information 6. Encryption capability 229 encrypts digital information 6.
Digital information key generating capability 228 generates a
cryptographic key for decrypting encrypted digital information 6.
Authentication capability 214 authenticates recording medium with license
management capability 102-1 loaded in digital information vending
apparatus 101. Licensed digital information writing capability 230 writes
encrypted digital information and its usage conditions and cryptographic
key onto authenticated recording medium with license management
capability 102-1.