Ban virtual currency?

gzlaser

THE virtual world is beginning to make inroads into reality. Recently, online gamers have been exchanging virtual money for real yuan.

Take Tencent, China's largest instant messaging service provider, as an example.

It issues Q coin, a virtual currency. Q coin holders can buy virtual coins from Tencent for 1 yuan per coin. This virtual currency can buy weapons in online games and real-world items such as CDs and cosmetics.

However, in the online black market, these coins are being converted back into cash. The practice is so widespread that some fear virtual money could challenge the RMB's status as the only legitimate currency in China.

Were this to happen, it would create problems in financial markets. As a result, some experts are calling for the currency to be banned.

But many users claim the virtual currency is a convenient way to pay for online services.

What's your opinion? Should virtual currency be banned? AGENCIES

Wherever there's money, crime is sure to follow. Online currency should be banned until laws exist to guide its use.