Australian universities split on using new tool to detect AI plagiarism

Australian universities are split on whether to adopt a new tool which claims to detect AI-generated plagiarism with a near-perfect success rate, citing concerns over out-of-date models and the minimal notice the sector was given to assess the issue.

Of almost a dozen universities who responded to Guardian Australia, the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales and Western Sydney University have adopted the tool and several were considering integrating it into their detection programs.

But others said the Turnitin tool was rushed and raised concerns over its efficacy.

The university has opted to revise assessments to prevent cheating, including more oral assessments, drafts and replacing some face-to-face or pen-and-paper exams.

The UoW has updated its academic integrity policy to allow students to use ChatGPT with acknowledgement, giving academics the green light to integrate AI into teaching and assessment.

Monash University, RMIT, UWA and ANU have also decided against using the tool while in its infancy.

Western Sydney University has also adopted the tool for educational, rather than punitive purposes.

UNSW has provided staff access to the Turnitin tool as one method of picking up suspected unauthorised use of AI, but said changing the design of assessments remained the most effective way to limit its use.

AI expert professor Toby Walsh said it was right for universities to be cautious as the tool only gave the probability assessments were written by AI rather than traditional plagiarism, which could link to specific websites.