A method, apparatus and computer programs for preventing illegal distribution of digital content data, are discussed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller configured to control the apparatus to: store at least first and second program code segments; receive the digital content data from a first device, the digital content data including a copyright code segment for managing copyright infringement; check the copyright code segment by using the first program code segment for selectively reproducing the digital data contents at a second device; and control an output operation of the digital content data by using the second program code segment based on the copyright code segment, wherein the digital content data is downloaded from a digital data server to the first device through a communication network, wherein decrypting and reproduction operations of the digital content data are executed by a software program provided by the digital data server.