Chinese Tech Giants Disable Image Recognition in Chatbots During National Gao Kao Exam to Combat Cheating

Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, and other Chinese firms have temporarily disabled image recognition features in their AI-based chatbots during the national gaokao examination, which takes place annually on June 7-8. This measure is part of local companies’ and officials’ efforts to combat cheating.

Specifically, the image recognition capabilities were suspended for Qwen from Alibaba, Yuanbao from Tencent, Kimi from Moonshot, and Doubao from ByteDance. These services halted the feature during the time when the gaokao was being administered nationwide.

The gaokao is a nationwide exam that significantly impacts the futures of millions of students. During this nine-hour test, an emergency protocol is enforced across the country to ensure a calm environment for the examinees. To minimize distractions, the use of electronic devices is prohibited during the gaokao.

As of June 9, Qwen and Doubao restored their image recognition abilities but refrained from responding to queries concerning exam paper photos. Qwen clarified that it would not address such inquiries from June 7 to 10, while Doubao indicated that photos of exam questions «did not comply with the platform’s guidelines.»

In 2025, approximately 13.4 million students will take the gaokao. Graduates will be tested in Chinese and English languages, mathematics, as well as several other subjects of their choice. This exam is particularly crucial for residents of smaller cities and low-income families. Failing the gaokao results in a year-long wait before the opportunity to retake it.