Chinese tech firms freeze AI tools in crackdown on exam cheats

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Chinese Tech Companies Disable AI Tools to Prevent Cheating in Gaokao Exams"

Chinese tech firms freeze AI tools in crackdown on exam cheats analysis cover image The Guardian 8.1
Image Source: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/a89d1e2cf19a85b82e60e814a25bd9143426139a/451_0_4423_3537/master/4423.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=8858a8eafa93bbbdefff6a3dfb8e7dbf
Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/09/chinese-tech-firms-freeze-ai-tools-exam-cheats-universities-gaokao
View Raw Article Source (External Link)
Raw Article Publish Date:
AI Analysis Average Score: 8.1
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

In a significant move to uphold the integrity of the highly competitive gaokao exams, major Chinese tech companies have disabled certain AI functionalities to prevent cheating among the more than 13.3 million students participating in this crucial four-day assessment. As the gaokao exams commenced, students seeking assistance from advanced AI tools found themselves unable to access these resources. For instance, users of Doubao, an app developed by ByteDance, were informed that its question-answering capabilities would be suspended during the examination period. Similarly, DeepSeek, a newly popular generative AI tool, displayed messages indicating that its services would not be available at specific times to maintain fairness during the exams. Other platforms like Yuanbao, Tencent's offering, and Alibaba's Qwen also restricted their functions, particularly in image recognition, further limiting students' options for support during this critical time.

The crackdown on AI assistance is part of broader measures being implemented to combat cheating during the gaokao exams, which can significantly influence a student's future educational opportunities. Various regions have adopted AI monitoring systems to detect suspicious behaviors among test-takers, such as whispering or unusual movements. Additionally, stricter entry protocols have been introduced, including biometric identification and enhanced screenings of digital devices. The societal importance of the gaokao is underscored by local governments taking steps to minimize disruptions, such as postponing public events and ensuring students have priority traffic access to examination locations. This comprehensive approach reflects the intense pressure and significance placed on the gaokao in Chinese society, where academic performance can dictate future career paths and opportunities.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights a significant measure taken by major Chinese tech companies to prevent cheating during the highly competitive gaokao exams, which determine university placements for millions of students. This proactive approach reflects broader societal pressures and government regulations surrounding education in China.

Purpose of the Article

The initiative to suspend AI tools during exams aims to ensure fairness and integrity in the educational system. By reporting on this action, the media may intend to convey the seriousness with which cheating is treated in educational contexts and the lengths to which companies are willing to go to support these regulations. The article could be emphasizing the importance of maintaining examination integrity, potentially fostering public support for such measures.

Public Perception

The reaction from students, as illustrated by social media posts, suggests a mixed response. While some express frustration at the restrictions, others might appreciate the fairness it promotes. The article likely aims to portray a sense of solidarity among students while also highlighting the challenges they face in a competitive environment.

Hidden Agendas

There doesn't appear to be a clear hidden agenda in the article. However, the focus on AI tool suspensions could distract from other potential issues in the education system, such as the pressures students face or the effectiveness of the exams themselves. This could serve to simplify a complex situation, potentially diverting attention from the broader educational challenges in China.

Manipulative Elements

The article does not seem overtly manipulative, but it could influence public sentiment by focusing on student frustrations while omitting broader discussions about the education system's pressures. The language used is fairly neutral, avoiding sensationalism, which contributes to its credibility.

Truthfulness of the Information

The information presented appears to be accurate based on the context of the gaokao exams and the actions taken by tech companies. The article cites specific instances of companies suspending services, reinforcing its validity.

Societal Impacts

This event may have several implications for society, including reinforcing a culture of integrity in examinations, but it also highlights the intense pressure students face. The article may resonate more with younger audiences, particularly students engaged in the exam process.

Economic and Market Implications

Tech companies involved, such as ByteDance, Tencent, and Alibaba, may face impacts on their stock prices due to public perception and operational changes. The focus on educational technology could influence market trends, particularly in sectors related to AI and educational tools.

Geopolitical Context

While this news primarily focuses on domestic issues within China, it reflects broader trends in governance and societal expectations. The emphasis on educational integrity might resonate with global discussions about technology's role in society.

AI in News Creation

It is possible that AI tools were utilized in drafting or editing the article, particularly in generating concise summaries or analyzing social media sentiments. However, the clear reporting style indicates human oversight in crafting the narrative.

Manipulation Potential

Though the article doesn’t exhibit strong manipulative qualities, it could be argued that the selection of details may frame the situation in a light that aligns with societal norms valuing academic integrity.

In summary, the article presents a factual report on a relevant issue within the Chinese education system, reflecting societal values and pressures. Its reliability stems from the accurate representation of events and the balanced portrayal of public sentiment.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/09/chinese-tech-firms-freeze-ai-tools-exam-cheats-universities-gaokao

Big Chinese tech companies appear to have turned off some AI functions to prevent cheating during the country’s highly competitive university entrance exams.

More than 13.3 million students are sitting the four-daygaokaoexams, which began on Saturday and determine if and where students can secure a limited place at university.

This year, students hoping to get some assistance from increasingly advanced AI tools have been stymied.

In screenshots shared online, one Chinese user posted a photo of an exam question to Doubao, owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. The app responded: “During the college entrance examination, according to relevant requirements, the question answering service will be suspended”.

An attempt by the user to tell the app “this is not the college entrance examination” prompted the same response.

Another screenshot also revealedDeepSeek, a leading generative AI toolnew to the Chinese market this year, was telling users that their service was not available during specific hours “to ensure fairness in the college entrance examination”.

Yuanbao, owned by the tech company Tencent, Alibaba’s Qwen, and Moonshot’s Kimi have also turned off their picture recognition functions during exam hours,Bloomberg reports.

The Guardian has contacted the relevant companies for comment, none of which have made public statements about the functions freeze. The suspension appears to have been publicised largely by university students who have been locked out of tools to assist them in their study and assignments.

“College entrance exam candidates, you are all shit,” read one tongue-in-cheek complaint on Weibo. “I can’t use DeepSeek to upload pictures, I have to download ChatGPT again, I hope you all go to community college​​​​.”

The AI suspension is not the only tool being used to prevent cheating in thegaokaoexam week, which can decide a young person’s entire future. Several regions have previously announced they would be using AI monitoring tools to watch for “abnormal behaviours”,such as whispers or repeated glancesbetween students, during exams.

In Jiangxi province, for example, footage will be reviewed after the exam and any violations or misconduct “dealt with strictly in accordance with relevant regulations”, the state-backed Global Times reports.

Late last month, Chinese authorities also announced stricter entry checks at exam points, biometric identification, enhanced screening for digital devices, and radio signal blockers, state media reported.

Reflecting how seriously Chinese society views thegaokao, some cities have postponed disruptive events such as public performances, delayed office starting hours and created dedicated priority traffic lanes to ensure students arrive to the test on time.

Additional research by Jason Tzu Kuan Lu

Back to Home
Source: The Guardian