Screenshots posted online show that ByteDance’s Doubao app declines to answer academic queries, stating, “During the college entrance examination, according to relevant requirements, the question answering service will be suspended.” When users try to bypass the restriction by saying the question is unrelated to the exam, the app still refuses to respond. DeepSeek, a newer AI platform, has also disabled its services during key exam hours, citing the need to “ensure fairness” during gaokao week. Students have taken to social media to complain, highlighting how the temporary blackout disrupted their academic routines.

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Tencent, Alibaba, and Others Join in AI Feature Suspension

Beyond ByteDance and DeepSeek, several other AI platforms have imposed restrictions. Tencent’s Yuanbao, Alibaba’s Qwen, and Moonshot’s Kimi have all suspended image recognition features, preventing users from uploading photos of problems or notes. These companies have not issued public statements, but user complaints have exposed the widespread nature of the blackout.

The impact of these actions extends beyond high school students. University students relying on AI for thesis work or study support expressed frustration. One user on Weibo posted sarcastically, “College entrance exam candidates, you are all shit,” complaining they had to reinstall ChatGPT to complete assignments. While the restrictions are aimed at preserving exam integrity, they have unintentionally affected a broader user base.

Government Uses Surveillance Tools to Enforce Exam Fairness

Chinese authorities are also ramping up physical and digital surveillance to maintain fairness during the exams. In addition to restricting AI apps, some regions have implemented AI-driven monitoring systems in exam halls. These systems can detect abnormal behavior such as whispering, glancing, or body movements that may indicate cheating. In Jiangxi province, surveillance footage will be analyzed after the test period. And any suspicious activity will be strictly investigated and penalized according to state regulations.

Enhanced measures also include biometric verification at exam centers, increased security checks, and scanning for electronic devices. Radio signal jammers are deployed at test venues to block wireless communication. These layers of scrutiny demonstrate how seriously the Chinese education system treats the integrity of the gaokao. Officials emphasize that even minor infractions could lead to severe consequences for candidates.

National Priorities Reflect Pressure and Prestige of Gaokao

The intensity of China’s college entrance exams underscores their role as a critical gateway to social mobility. For students, scoring well on the gaokao can determine admission to elite universities and influence their long-term career opportunities. The pressure is immense, with families investing years into preparation through tutoring, study schedules, and mock exams. In rural or less developed regions, a high gaokao score often represents one of the few pathways out of poverty.

This year’s AI restrictions and government enforcement reflect growing concerns that emerging technologies could compromise the fairness of the process. By disabling key AI features and implementing strict surveillance, authorities aim to preserve the exam’s credibility. While the measures may frustrate non-exam users, the broader goal remains clear: protecting the integrity of one of the most significant academic milestones in the country.

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Violence Against Trade Unionists in Numbers

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) monitors attacks on union members worldwide. Its recent report shows 22 unionists were killed globally in one year. Colombia alone accounted for 11 of those deaths, nearly half. From 2020 to 2023, Colombia recorded 45 unionist murders, with 29 in 2022 alone. Luc Triangle, ITUC’s general secretary, emphasizes these killings are targeted, mostly involving active union members in small communities. He notes the violence remains severe compared to other countries. The statistics reveal a persistent threat to workers’ rights defenders in Colombia’s rural and urban areas.

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Roots of Violence: Political Conflict and Illegal Economies

Trade union violence in Colombia ties closely to the country’s long civil conflict. Left-wing rebels, right-wing paramilitaries, drug traffickers, and the state have all clashed over decades. Fabio Arias, head of Colombia’s largest union federation (CUT), explains the government’s labeling of leftist unionists as terrorists fuels attacks. Additionally, illegal industries such as coca farming and mining worsen the danger. Attacks cluster in regions where these illegal economies thrive, including Cauca, Nariño, and Putumayo. This complex mix of political and criminal violence targets unionists attempting to organize and protect workers’ rights.

Who Is Behind the Attacks?

The perpetrators and organizers of attacks on unionists remain unclear due to Colombia’s many armed groups. Some trade unionists accuse private businesses of hiring armed groups to suppress labor organizing, especially during wage talks. Yet, many attacks go unpunished, obscuring accountability. Zenón Escobar, another unionist from Cauca, highlights the confusion about who orders or carries out violence. The uncertainty deepens the fear and insecurity among union members. Without clear investigations and justice, the cycle of violence continues unchecked.

Government Efforts and the Role of Multinational Companies

Colombia’s government, led by President Gustavo Petro, has shown increased support for trade unionists. In 2023, it officially recognized unions as victims of the civil conflict, aiming to improve investigations into attacks. Luc Triangle sees this as an important step but stresses that foreign companies must also act responsibly. He urges multinational corporations operating in Colombia to take greater accountability for workers’ safety. Triangle warns against companies maintaining codes of conduct while ignoring unionist killings. The protection of trade unionists requires combined efforts from the government, businesses, and international actors to end violence and ensure justice.

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The ongoing escalation of tariffs and harsh rhetoric only hardened China’s position. Even as officials traveled to Switzerland for talks, Beijing remained defiant, signaling its intent to push through the escalating conflict. The cartoon of U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin pushing an empty shopping trolley was a sharp commentary on the strained economic situation. When the two sides met for talks in Geneva, there were disputes about who initiated the meeting, further demonstrating the complex nature of the negotiations.

The Outcome of Geneva Talks

Despite the tense atmosphere, two days of “robust” discussions between the U.S. and China appeared to yield positive results. After the talks, both delegations expressed a shared interest in avoiding a full decoupling of the two economies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that neither side wanted the trade conflict to escalate into an embargo-like situation. Economists praised the agreements reached, which resulted in U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports decreasing to 30%, while China reduced its tariffs on U.S. goods to 10%.

The agreement exceeded many expectations, with some economists predicting a more modest reduction in tariffs. This move eased fears about the negative impacts on global supply chains, providing relief for markets. President Trump, in a statement, celebrated the progress made and referred to the talks as a “total reset,” though the situation is far from resolved.

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China’s Economic Concerns and Strategic Positioning

While China is economically resilient, it faces significant internal challenges. The country has become the primary trade partner for over 100 nations, but its own economy is under pressure. A growing property crisis, high youth unemployment, and weak consumer confidence are contributing to the slow pace of recovery. In addition, factory output has significantly slowed, with some Chinese companies reporting layoffs as their production lines for U.S.-bound goods come to a halt. China’s consumer price index fell 0.1% in April, indicating a period of economic stagnation.

In light of these difficulties, China’s softening tone regarding trade talks with the U.S. makes sense. The tariffs have taken a toll on the country’s economy, and Beijing has signaled a desire to avoid further economic hardship. Despite its tough exterior, China is increasingly open to dialogue to prevent a prolonged economic war with the U.S.

Looking Ahead: A Fragile Truce

Though the Geneva talks have resulted in a temporary pause in tariffs, the issues at the heart of the trade war remain unresolved. Beijing’s statements continue to push for the U.S. to correct what they view as the wrong practice of imposing unilateral tariff increases. Chinese state media have emphasized that their patience has limits and warned that Beijing would not tolerate continued oppression from Washington.

While the trade agreement offers short-term relief and may help ease market concerns, the fundamental imbalance in trade between China and the U.S. persists. The trade deficit continues to favor China, and other issues, such as government subsidies, key industries, and geopolitical tensions, will continue to complicate negotiations. The battle for a more balanced trade relationship is far from over, with both sides now looking for long-term solutions. The shift has simply moved from factories and supermarkets to the negotiation tables in Washington and Beijing.

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Gan officially submitted his resignation on April 12. The board of directors accepted his decision during a meeting the following day. According to an official announcement posted on the school’s website. The school stated that the board had “unanimously decided to respect Principal Gan’s resignation” after holding internal discussions.

Foon Yew High School, one of Malaysia’s most prominent Chinese independent institutions, was founded in 1913. It now operates three major campuses located in Stulang Laut, Kulai, and Masai. The resignation marks a significant leadership change for the Kulai branch as the school continues to face scrutiny over how it managed student safety and responded to serious allegations.

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Deepfake Scandal Sparks Schoolwide Scrutiny at Foon Yew High School

A male student at Foon Yew High School’s Kulai campus generated and distributed deepfake pornographic images featuring classmates and teachers. This intensifying the controversy earlier this month. The student allegedly sold these manipulated images online, triggering outrage among students, parents, and the wider public. Victims accused the school of failing to respond swiftly or adequately when they first reported the incidents.

Police later arrested a 16-year-old student suspected of orchestrating the scheme, along with a 19-year-old accomplice. Following mounting pressure, the school confirmed on April 10 that the student involved had been expelled. However, questions remain about how long the school was aware of the misconduct before taking decisive action.

Past Misconduct Allegations Resurface Amid Ongoing Investigation

As the scandal unfolded, a new allegation surfaced from a 2012 alumna who accused a former male teacher at the Kulai campus of inappropriate physical contact during her school years. She shared her story publicly, explaining that it took over a decade of self-reflection and therapy for her to understand the behavior as abuse rather than misguided affection.

She credited Taiwan’s #MeToo movement in 2023 as a turning point that helped her frame the experience as an abuse of power. Her claim has reignited public concern as critics question how the school historically handled misconduct and whether it deliberately concealed past incidents. Historical allegations, combined with the current deepfake case, have prompted renewed calls for institutional reform, stronger safeguarding protocols, and an independent investigation into the school’s handling of misconduct complaints.

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The school acknowledged that it acted too slowly at first and has since instructed staff to treat digital misconduct with greater urgency. Administrators pledged to implement stronger protective measures for students.

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Disciplinary Staff Cleared Amid Internal Investigation

Amid online speculation, the school conducted an internal investigation into accusations that a disciplinary teacher mishandled the case. According to the board, the probe found those allegations to be baseless and distorted. The school reaffirmed that all staff involved in the case followed proper protocols and were not complicit in the delay.

Moving forward, Foon Yew High School plans to expand its digital literacy efforts and implement clearer rules around the ethical use of technology. The administration is also reviewing its disciplinary procedures to ensure timely intervention in similar cases.

The school has committed to providing psychological support for all affected students and their families. Professional counselling will be available through both in-house and external providers. The school said it would ensure strict confidentiality throughout the recovery process and offer legal assistance to those impacted by the image abuse.

Additionally, the board stated that disciplinary staff accused of mishandling the situation were cleared of wrongdoing. It concluded that viral social media allegations had misrepresented their role in the investigation. The internal review found no evidence of negligence or complicity.

Police Investigation Targets Deepfake Creator

Separately, police in Johor have arrested a 16-year-old suspected of using artificial intelligence to create and distribute deepfake pornography. Investigators believe the teenager operated under the alias “Li Xiaobai” and used social media photos to generate explicit images. Multiple victims have come forward.

Authorities are investigating the case under the Penal Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act. The school is fully cooperating with law enforcement to locate all parties involved.

Foon Yew High School assured parents that it is fully cooperating with authorities. Administrators pledged to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among students and educate them about the ethical use of technology. The school said it would integrate digital literacy programs into its curriculum to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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