Chinese Go Player Banned Eight Years for AI-Assisted Cheating
A 19-year-old Chinese professional Go player was banned for eight years and had her rank revoked after officials discovered she was using an AI program on a hidden mobile phone during a championship match in December 2024. The China Go Association confirmed the player concealed the phone and used it to cheat, with her win rate having risen dramatically in 2024 compared to previous years.
What happened
During the ninth round of the National Go Championship (Women's Division) on December 15, 2024, referee spot-check discovered that 19-year-old professional player 秦思玥 was carrying a mobile phone and using an AI program on it during competition.
Review of match video and witness testimony confirmed 秦思玥 hid the phone before entering the competition venue in the early morning and used it to cheat during play. When questioned, she concealed relevant facts.
Reported impact
The China Go Association announced the penalty on February 26, 2025: revocation of professional rank, cancellation of 2024 National Go Championship results, and an 8-year ban from all Go competitions and activities organized or authorized by the association and its member units.
Index analysis
秦思玥's win rate rose from less than 40% in 2023 to 70% in 2024, a sharp increase that had initially been attributed to skill improvement before the cheating was discovered.
Governance controls
The China Go Association imposed restrictions on a professional player found using AI assistance during official competition, establishing official accountability for rule violations.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.