Do that and the Bitcoin economy just goes completely into the black market; the fact of the matter is that bitcoins are currently worth what they are because we ascribe value to them, and they are rare and limited. Gold has no inherent value apart from its use in industry but that isn't what gives it its inflated price. It is valued that way because it is rare, limited and desirable. There aren't many shops that accept gold as a method of payment, but it has not become worthless. It is traded as a commodity. Bitcoin could well have a similar future if 'outlawed' due to its potential as a store of value, and the fact that you can transport all of your wealth around on a USB stick or in your head in a brain wallet. If it were 'outlawed' and used by 'outlaws', it would skyrocket in value due to the demand for it by the black market with people willing to buy and sell for fiat money to people who want to store their wealth in it / move their money worldwide. A global, untraceable underground economy would be created with Bitcoin at its core. Libertas