Top French university bans use of ChatGPT to prevent plagiarism - Reuters.com

Jan 27, 2023 ·

A top French university has recently banned the use of OpenAI's ChatGPT language model in order to prevent plagiarism. The move was made following reports that students were using the AI-powered tool to cheat on their assignments.

The ban was implemented by the University of Paris, which is one of the country's most prestigious institutions. It stated that the use of the artificial intelligence technology to generate fake essays and term papers is unacceptable, and can easily be detected by the institution's plagiarism detectors.

The decision drew immediate backlash from some academics, who argued that the university was focusing too much on punishing potential cheaters instead of teaching students proper research and writing techniques. Others pointed out that ChatGPT could be used as a legitimate tool to assist students in researching and creating original essays and other written works.

Still, many universities around the world have started to implement similar bans on the use of AI technologies for academic work. This trend reflects the growing awareness of the risk that these tools can pose when misused.

In addition to its practical implications, the ban also carries symbolic importance. It shows that universities are increasingly recognizing the need to protect originality and creativity in the face of advances in artificial intelligence. Furthermore, it sends a message that cheating is still unacceptable in the digital age.

Overall, the move made by the University of Paris has sparked a larger debate about the potential benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence in terms of education. While many experts agree that AI can be used responsibly to foster academic progress, this incident serves as a reminder that the technology must be used responsibly in order to protect against abuse.