Beijing, June 2, 2024 – As China prepares for the 2025 Gaokao, the notoriously rigorous National College Entrance Examination, a joint effort by three government departments is underway to combat illegal and harmful information circulating online, with a particular focus on content generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Ministry of Education, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), and the Ministry of Public Security have launched a coordinated campaign to ensure a fair and secure examination environment, according to a recent report by Xinhua News Agency. This initiative follows directives from the State Council’s inter-ministerial joint conference on the national unified examination.
The crackdown targets a range of illicit activities, including the fabrication and dissemination of online rumors, the deliberate disruption of public order, and crimes such as creating and spreading false information and provoking trouble. Those found guilty will face severe legal consequences.
Authorities are intensifying monitoring and disposal efforts, prioritizing the investigation and removal of harmful information related to the Gaokao. Key areas of concern include:
- False claims of pre-exam leaks: Rumors suggesting that exam questions have been leaked before the test.
- Sale of purported exam answers: Unscrupulous individuals selling fake answer keys.
- Organized cheating: Schemes designed to facilitate cheating during the examination.
- Enrollment fraud: Scams targeting students and their families with false promises of college admission.
A significant focus of the campaign is to address the proliferation of misleading information related to the Gaokao generated by AI. This includes:
- Exaggerated and inaccurate information: Sensationalized or misleading reports about the exam.
- AI-generated fake information: The use of AI technology to create and spread false information related to the Gaokao.
- Disrupting public opinion: Activities that aim to manipulate public discourse and mislead the public.
We will severely punish relevant accounts to create a healthier and safer online environment and jointly maintain a good enrollment examination order, the joint statement from the three departments emphasized.
The move comes amid a surge in the popularity of AI-powered prediction papers promising to anticipate Gaokao questions. The Ministry of Education has cautioned students against relying on these materials, stating that the likelihood of AI or so-called experts accurately predicting exam questions is extremely low. Investing significant time and effort in these prediction papers is not only a waste of valuable preparation time but also exposes students to potential scams, leading to both financial and psychological distress.
Earlier this month, CCTV News reported that while AI can be a useful tool for students preparing for the Gaokao, it should be used judiciously. Students who understand AI models can leverage them to improve their study efficiency. However, blindly following AI-generated solutions without independent thinking can be misleading and ultimately detrimental to their performance.
The authorities are urging students to avoid over-reliance on AI for problem-solving and to cultivate their own independent thinking skills.
This joint initiative underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the Gaokao, a high-stakes exam that determines the future educational opportunities for millions of students each year. By cracking down on AI-generated misinformation and other illegal activities, the government aims to create a level playing field for all candidates and ensure that the examination process is free from fraud and manipulation.
References:
- Xinhua News Agency report on joint investigation of illegal information related to Gaokao.
- IT Home report on joint investigation and focus on AI-generated misinformation.
- CCTV News report on the use of AI in Gaokao preparation.
- Ministry of Education statement cautioning against reliance on AI prediction papers.
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