A data receiving apparatus having a digital contents copy protection function and a method for controlling the same are disclosed, in which authentication for the digital contents copy protection function is carried out without any error even if time difference occurs due to a communication error of the data receiving apparatus or a problem in initial stability. The data receiving apparatus includes an interface connected with a data transmitting apparatus and transmitting basic information for determining whether authentication for the digital contents copy protection function has been carried out, a display receiving and outputting digital contents if the authentication has been carried out successfully, and a controller determining again whether the authentication has been carried out, after a lapse of a predetermined time period, if the authentication has been failed.