China to restrict use of RMB images on Internet
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-02-18 09:00

Anyone who wants to use images of Chinese currency (RMB) on the Internet will have to get approval from China's central bank, and otherwise will face fines of up to 30,000 yuan (3,627 US dollars), a draft regulation said.

The People's Bank of China, the central bank, is soliciting views on a set of draft rules and regulations governing the use of RMB images. The rules are aimed at better guarding the creditability of the currency, authorities have said.

Even after obtaining permission to use the images, users are prohibited from changing the design, tarnishing its image, or taking any act detrimental to state unity or stains Chinese culture, the rules say.

If violators do so for non-commercial reasons, they can be fined up to 1,000 yuan (120.9 US dollars). Otherwise, they will face fines of up to 30,000 yuan and confiscation of all profits they earned through violation, the rules say.

People who use RMB images on publications or commodities are also required by the new rules to stamp characters of "Not For Circulation" over at least one third of the image.

According to the rules, the size of a copy pattern should neither exceed 125 percent of the original size, nor be less than 75 percent of it.

The public can submit their opinions by sending letters, e-mails, or faxes to the central bank, said sources with the central bank.