Campaign targets online misdeeds that threaten integrity of gaokao

China has launched a campaign to clean up harmful and illegal content related to the national college entrance examination, or gaokao, across the internet, the Ministry of Education said recently.

The ministry, along with the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Public Security, announced a joint effort to investigate and punish people who participate in online activities that threaten the fairness and integrity of the exam, which will begin on Saturday.

Authorities recently issued a stern warning reminding the public that the internet is not beyond the reach of the law. Individuals and organizations that fabricate or spread rumors, disturb public order or intentionally disseminate false information — such as by leaking fake exam questions or answers or making fraudulent admissions offers — could face criminal penalties.

Online platforms must intensify monitoring, promptly remove posts that spread misinformation or promote illegal activities, and suspend or shut down relevant accounts.

Particular attention should be paid to activities involving sales of fake questions or answers, organized cheating and admissions scams.

Content generated by artificial intelligence to mimic official documents or disseminate fake exam notices is also under scrutiny.

Students and parents are urged to access information only through official channels of education departments, testing centers and universities, and to avoid falling for scams such as those guaranteeing admissions to universities.

The education ministry highlighted that real exam questions are top secret and are strictly protected at every stage. Any online offer of "test questions for sale" or "exclusive insider materials" is almost certainly fraudulent.

Promotional tactics by some training agencies and media accounts, including claims of access to "confidential materials" or predictions made by "exam insiders" or AI models, were also condemned as misleading and commercially motivated.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected illegal activity related to the gaokao to local education authorities or law enforcement. Victims of fraud should immediately contact the police to protect their legal rights.

According to the ministry, more than 13 million students have registered for this year's exam.