6. Emerging problems in online education sector

Social influence index: 91.0

China's online education sector has seen rapid growth under COVID-19. However, many consumers are caught in a dilemma where they cannot get refunds when online education companies fail to provide the promised services. Emerging problems in this regard include fake teacher qualifications, unlicensed schools, induced consumption, false advertising, unreasonable clauses, as well as difficulties for refunds when terminating contracts. In addition, the installment payment of tuition fees for online education has also been criticized.

Consumers thus call for online education providers to strengthen self-discipline, and focus on education rather than profits. They also urge relevant government bodies to strengthen administrative supervision, introduce professional standard for the online education sector, and ensure consumer protection from an institutional aspect.