Chinese Tech Giants Suspend AI Tools Amid Gaokao Examination Crackdown

In a significant move to uphold academic integrity, leading Chinese technology companies have temporarily disabled various artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities during the ongoing Gaokao examinations, which commenced on June 7, 2025. This four-day testing period, critical for over 13 million students vying for limited university placements, has prompted firms such as ByteDance, Tencent, and Alibaba to take measures against potential cheating facilitated by AI tools.

The Gaokao, or National College Entrance Examination, is a pivotal event in China’s educational landscape, often determining students' future academic and career trajectories. The stringent measures reflect the intense societal pressure surrounding these exams, with many students relying on advanced AI applications for study assistance. However, in light of the examinations, companies have halted these services. An example includes Doubao, owned by ByteDance, which notified users that its question-answering services would be suspended during the exam period. A similar message was echoed by DeepSeek, a newly introduced generative AI tool, which also restricted access to ensure fairness during the exams.

The crackdown on AI tools is part of a broader strategy to mitigate cheating. The Chinese government has previously announced various measures, including enhanced surveillance through AI monitoring systems to detect suspicious behaviors during examinations. According to the state-backed Global Times, regions such as Jiangxi province are employing video reviews post-exam to identify and address any misconduct. Furthermore, authorities have implemented stricter entry checks at examination centers, including biometric identification and the use of radio signal blockers to prevent communication devices from being used during the tests.

The implications of these measures are profound. Dr. Wei Chen, an education policy expert at Peking University, stated, "The suspension of AI tools is a necessary step to ensure a level playing field for all students. Given the competitive nature of the Gaokao, it is crucial that students demonstrate their own knowledge and skills."

However, the response from students has been mixed. Social media platforms, such as Weibo, have seen an outpouring of frustration, with users expressing dissatisfaction over the sudden unavailability of AI resources that they had come to rely on for studying. One user humorously lamented, "I can’t use DeepSeek to upload pictures; I have to download ChatGPT again!"

Experts in educational technology emphasize the need for a balanced approach to AI integration in educational contexts. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a professor of Educational Technology at Stanford University, remarked, "While it is essential to maintain academic integrity, it is equally important to find ways to integrate AI in a supportive manner that enhances learning rather than detracts from it."

The crackdown on AI tools during the Gaokao is not merely a reflection of the examination's significance, but also indicative of a larger societal view towards educational fairness and competition. In cities across China, local governments have made logistical adjustments, such as postponing public events and creating priority traffic lanes to ensure that students arrive at testing sites without complications.

As the Gaokao concludes, the educational sector may need to reevaluate the role of AI in academic settings. The balance between utilizing technological advancements for educational support and preserving the integrity of academic assessments remains a critical discussion point for policymakers and educators alike. Looking ahead, the future of AI in education will likely depend on collaborative efforts between technology providers, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies to establish guidelines that promote both fairness and innovation.