In a recent development, China’s top prosecution agency has released guidelines shedding light on their perspective regarding non-fungible tokens (NFTs). NFTs, which have gained significant popularity in China following the ban on cryptocurrency trading, are now being viewed as digital collectibles sharing the same traits as virtual assets. This article delves into China’s evolving stance on NFTs, examining the potential risks and legal implications associated with these unique digital collectibles.
China’s Prosecution Agency Raises Concerns on NFTs
NFTs have emerged as a unique application of blockchain technology, allowing for the authentication and ownership verification of both virtual and real-world items. The allure of these lies in their ability to provide proof of ownership through a digital identifier recorded on the blockchain. These digital collectibles gained momentum in China as a distinct category separate from high-risk cryptocurrencies, attracting enthusiasts and investors alike.
In line with this, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) of China recently published guidelines addressing the treatment of NFTs, signaling the potential risks associated with these digital assets. The agency contends that while NFTs may enjoy popularity, they are not without financial, management, network security, and legal risks.
SPP cautions consumers about the limitations of ownership, particularly in the realm of digital art, as replication and distribution remain possible despite owning the NFT.
The Legal Landscape Surrounding NFT Ownership
From a legal perspective, SPP emphasizes that consumers do not hold full ownership rights over the NFTs they acquire. Instead, they possess “an exclusive right to prevent tampering with the recorded ownership on the blockchain.”
While NFTs provide a sense of exclusivity, the agency warns that consumers cannot prohibit others from accessing, copying, or disseminating the underlying digital assets mapped by the NFT.
Balancing Potential and Risk
China’s regulatory bodies have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with NFTs, such as financial fraud, money laundering, and copyright infringement. These apprehensions stem from the decentralized nature of blockchain technology and the limited control authorities have over the trading and circulation of NFTs.
Despite the agency acknowledging the developmental potential of NFTs as an application of blockchain technology, it emphasizes the need for thorough risk assessment and vigilant prosecution to safeguard against potential crimes.
China’s Blockchain Ambitions
Amid the reservations surrounding cryptocurrencies and NFTs, China remains committed to harnessing the power of blockchain technology. The country recognizes the underlying potential of blockchain as it seeks to build a robust national digital infrastructure. By exploring the applications of blockchain technology, China aims to strike a balance between leveraging its benefits while ensuring the necessary regulatory oversight to mitigate associated risks.
Some examples of China’s official venture into the realm of blockchain are the following instances:
- The launch of its National Blockchain Center aimed at training 500,000 industry professionals in the realm of blockchain
- The country’s aggressive push for the digital yuan
- Its silent approval of Hong Kong’s bid to become a crypto hub
- The launch of an NFT trading platform as a result of a joint venture between private and state-owned companies
Final Thoughts on China’s Stance on NFTs
China’s top prosecution agency’s guidelines shed light on the evolving stance regarding NFTs in the country. While NFTs have gained popularity as digital collectibles, the Asian superpower recognizes the inherent risks and challenges they pose. Therefore, the agency urges consumers to exercise caution, highlighting the limited ownership rights and the potential for financial, management, and legal risks.
As China embraces blockchain technology’s potential, this report indicates that the country will continue to navigate the intersection of NFTs, virtual assets, and the pursuit of a secure and regulated digital landscape.
Giancarlo is an economist and researcher by profession. Prior to his addition to Blockzeit’s dynamic team, he was handling several crypto projects for both the government and private sectors as a Project Manager of a consultancy firm.
