Anyone who wants to display images of Renminbi (RMB), China's currency, on the Internet may soon have to seek permission from China's central bank. Violators of a proposed new regulation may face fines of up to 30,000 yuan (US$3,627).

The People's Bank of China is soliciting feedback on its draft regulations governing the use of RMB images. Authorities said that the rules are intended to guard the currency's credibility.

If granted permission to use the images, users will be prohibited from changing the design, tarnishing the currency's image or acting in any way detrimental to state unity or Chinese culture, according to the regulations.

Those who violate the regulation for non-commercial reasons can be fined up to 1,000 yuan (US$121). Those who seek to profit from their action face fines of up to 30,000 yuan and confiscation of all profits earned through the violation.

People who use RMB images on publications or commodities will also be required to stamp characters meaning "Not for Circulation" over at least one-third of the image. The size of the copy should not exceed 125 percent of the original nor be less than 75 percent of it.

Members of the public are invited to submit their opinions by sending letters, e-mails or faxes to the central bank.

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2005)