ELECTRONIC DATA STORAGE APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD

An electronic data storage apparatus includes a data storage unit for storing electronic data; an authentication information generation unit for generating authentication information used in detecting an amendment made to the stored electronic data; and an authentication information data output unit for outputting the electronic data after adding to the electronic data the authentication information generated for the electronic data. When an authorization unit authorizes the electronic data storage apparatus after it is determined that the specification of the electronic data satisfies a predetermined condition, or when mutual authentication is performed between electronic data storage apparatuses, the electronic data storage apparatus stores the data. Thus, the electronic data can be protected from being illegally amended or deleted, and can be safely stored in a format in which sufficient legal evidence can be maintained on the electronic data.