A data communication unit receives encrypted digital data via a network and records the digital data on a primary recording medium. The digital data, having been encrypted in different encryption methods according to the distributors, include attribute information indicating the encryption methods. The encryption method of the digital data is determined and the encrypted data is decrypted by an appropriate decryption unit. Identification information of a secondary recording medium or a playback apparatus is obtained according to whether the secondary recording medium is removable from the playback apparatus. A controller selects an encryption unit among a plurality of encryption units according to the obtained identification information. The selected encryption unit creates an encryption key according to the identification information and re-encrypts the digital data. A recording unit records the digital data on the secondary recording medium. An accounting unit charges according to accounting information in the attribute information.