Tsinghua University has launched a pioneering framework to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, setting clear boundaries to prevent misuse while fostering innovation. The guidelines, developed after extensive research and consultation, emphasize that AI should serve as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for human intellectual effort. Graduate students are explicitly warned against using AI for ghostwriting, plagiarism, or fabrication, with supervisors tasked to ensure academic integrity and originality. The framework mandates transparent disclosure of AI use and prohibits the incorporation of sensitive or unauthorized data in AI models. It also highlights the importance of critical thinking and multisource verification to counteract overreliance on AI. Instructors are encouraged to integrate AI into teaching materials responsibly, guiding students to develop essential competencies. The guidelines support AI integration in over 390 courses across 10 disciplines, including AI learning companions and teaching assistants. Wang Shuaiguo, director of Tsinghua’s online education center, described the framework as a ‘living system’ designed to evolve alongside technological advancements. The initiative aims to balance innovation with ethical considerations, establishing ‘red lines’ for misconduct while promoting ‘green lights’ for responsible experimentation. ‘We hope this will not become a document that restricts innovation,’ Wang stated. ‘It should be a living system — one that continues to grow as the technology evolves.’