China further tightens edtech rules in fresh blow to private tutors

The latest restrictions appear in line with Xi Jinping's broader objective of reining in China's increasingly powerful private sector

China will further tighten oversight over its battered online education sector, in a clear signal that Beijing’s not yet prepared to unshackle the private tutoring arena despite loosening curbs on tech giants. 

Edtech companies plunged after the Ministry of Education published a new set of restrictions that limit the fees and operating times of private tutoring services for primary and middle school students. Firms offering non-curricular tutoring will be required to end physical classes by 8:30pm and online sessions by 9pm, while limiting one-time charges to 5,000 yuan ($720) and mandating a special trust account with state-designated banks for pre-paid