Chinese universities set regulations for use of AI in academics due to growing concerns of overreliance.
With the advancement of AI models like DeepSeek, university students in China are increasingly relying on AI tools for academic writing. However, concerns over overreliance and improper use are growing.
A survey by MyCOS, covering over 3,000 university faculty and students, revealed that nearly 60% use generative AI regularly, with 30% of students primarily using it for writing papers or assignments. Some admitted to copying and pasting AI-generated content directly.
Experts and university professors told China Media Group (CMG) that some students go beyond text generation and engage in academic misconduct, including falsifying research data, editing experimental images, and using AI for independent design work.
To curb misuse, Chinese universities have introduced strict AI regulations. Fudan University now bans AI use in research design, data collection, image creation, thesis writing, and confidential content, with serious violations leading to failing grades and degree ineligibility. Similarly, Tianjin University of Science and Technology has implemented AI detection in undergraduate theses, capping AI-generated content at 40%, a policy set to continue for 2025 graduates.
In response to AI-driven academic fraud, multiple Chinese research teams are working on AI detection technologies. Experts stress that as AI evolves, anti-detection methods must also advance to remain effective.
Beyond technology, education specialists highlight the need for better academic evaluation and AI literacy. Huang Yating, a researcher at Zhejiang University, suggests rethinking assessment methods to focus on higher-order thinking skills. She emphasizes designing assignments that AI cannot easily replicate and encourages collaboration with AI rather than full reliance on it.
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