Cheating in school is an age-old problem, but new technologies have made it easier. Mobile phones in particular allow students to peek at notes during exams, text their friends for homework answers, or even use AI apps to solve a problem. In today’s digitally connected world, ensuring the integrity of exams has become an even tougher challenge. From sophisticated plagiarism detection software to solutions leveraging facial recognition and eye-tracking technology, educators and institutions are deploying various measures to combat cheating. But is it enough to safeguard the integrity of exams?

In an analysis carried out jointly by the Publications Ethics Committee and the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers, over half of the 3,440 articles submitted over a two-year period were found to be fake. Open science practices, such as pre-registration of study plans and registered reports could promote transparency and accountability. Recognizing the importance of peer review and rewarding reviewers can also strengthen academic integrity and reduce the proliferation of suspect articles.

A senior law student at Istanbul Bilgi University faced disciplinary action for allegedly using AI, ChatGPT to cheat on an exam. The student’s legal battle ended in suspension, causing financial and emotional distress. The case highlights the challenges of AI in maintaining academic integrity and the need for clearer policies.

To combat certificate forgery in Higher Education, Libya joined the Unified Arab System for Blockchain-based Certificate Authentication. This initiative, spearheaded by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), provides a reliable method for verifying academic qualifications. Experts advocate for similar systems across Africa to strengthen hiring practices and ensure credential credibility. They suggest leveraging blockchain technology and collaborating with international organizations for widespread implementation.

During a Senate hearing on Charter change in the Philippines, concerns were raised by education experts regarding the potential risks associated with opening higher education to foreign ownership. An education adviser highlighted the country's reputation for diploma mills, warning that it could attract low-quality foreign universities instead of prestigious institutions. Despite debates over Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6 which proposes opening up higher education to foreign ownership, concerns persist regarding the regulation of substandard institutions and the potential commercialization of education.