A data processing apparatus is capable of performing at least one of recording operation and playback operation of at least one of image data and audio data. The data processing apparatus includes a storage section for storing identifiers for identification of predetermined operators and fingerprint data of the operators. The identifiers and the fingerprint data are associated with each other. The apparatus further includes an image pickup device for detecting a fingerprint of each operator, an operation section for selecting one of the identifiers stored in the storage section, a fingerprint comparing section for performing comparison to determine whether or not the fingerprint detected by the image pickup device is identical to fingerprint data associated with the identifier selected by the operation section, and a controller for controlling the enabling and disabling of a predetermined operation in accordance with a result of the comparison performed by the fingerprint comparing section.