University Wrongly Accused Students Of AI Cheating Using Flawed AI Detection Software

Australian Catholic University registered nearly 6,000 alleged academic misconduct cases in 2024, with about 90% involving AI use, according to internal documents. The university relied on Turnitin’s AI detection software despite company warnings it “may not always be accurate” and “should not be used as the sole basis for adverse actions against a student.” Students like 22-year-old nursing student Madeleine faced six-month investigations with transcripts marked “results withheld,” potentially blocking graduate job opportunities. Deputy vice-chancellor Tania Broadley acknowledged those figures were “substantially overstated” and said “around one-quarter of all referrals were dismissed following investigation.” ACU abandoned the Turnitin AI detection tool in March after finding it ineffective. (Story URL)