A system and method are realized which enables valid use of content by preventing unauthorized use of content which is caused by rewriting rights data. A structure is employed in which rights data including use-restriction information on content and DRM data including an encrypted content key are recorded in a digital data recording medium (media), and in which an integrity check value (ICV) for the DRM data can be stored in a recordable/playable area (protected area) by using only a dedicated IC. EKB distribution is used to execute the tree-structure key distribution to distribute keys for generating ICV-generation verifying keys. In this structure, unauthorized use of content by rewriting of the rights data is prevented.