A data recording apparatus which enables an individual like an author to record in a recording medium any data, such as a publication desired to be restricted on its copying, in the way that the copying can be restricted in an actually desired condition. A CPU, with respect to the data to be recorded input via an interface unit, compares copy control information input via an interface unit along with data and copy control information separately instructed by an operation panel, and uses the one having a higher restriction level as the copy control information of the data. Then, the CPU converts the input data into a format suitable to recording, generates recording data by adding additional information, such as determined copy control information, and records the same to a desired portion in a recording medium via a recording/reproducing unit.