China is using lotteries to test its new digital currency, DCEP (Digital Currency Electronic Payment). According to a notice from the government of Shenzhen, the city is preparing this week to conduct its second lottery to pay out prizes exclusively in the new currency, following a successful debut draw last October.
The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) announced the creation of DCEP in November last year. DCEP is the world’s first state-backed cryptocurrency. It has prompted concern in the West that Beijing is exploring the creation of a completely cashless society, upon which it can exert greater control.
Mu Changchun, head of the PoBC’s digital currency research institute, has said DCEP is not about control. But he added that it will help authorities to monitor money movements related to organized crime, tax evasion, and online gambling. The government is waging a longstanding war against gaming sites that target its citizens.
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The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) announced the creation of DCEP in November last year. DCEP is the world’s first state-backed cryptocurrency. It has prompted concern in the West that Beijing is exploring the creation of a completely cashless society, upon which it can exert greater control.
Mu Changchun, head of the PoBC’s digital currency research institute, has said DCEP is not about control. But he added that it will help authorities to monitor money movements related to organized crime, tax evasion, and online gambling. The government is waging a longstanding war against gaming sites that target its citizens.
Read more