Universities Question AI Detectors
Thursday, 2026/08/27163 words3 minutes1496 reads
Singapore University of Social Sciences has disabled Turnitin's university-wide AI writing score from Aug 11. SUSS said such scores have limitations: they cannot conclusively show that generative AI was used inappropriately. The change does not mean students may ignore academic integrity. They remain responsible for the accuracy and honesty of their submissions.
NUS, SUTD and SIT told CNA that they do not use automated AI detectors. SIT had joined an early pilot, but did not adopt the tool because of its limits. These systems use statistical models to estimate whether text may have been generated by AI. A probability score is not proof that misconduct happened.
SMU still uses AI detection tools, but says they are one input among several, never the sole basis for a finding. Universities may look at the assessment context, a student's explanation, drafts and reflections. They are increasingly designing assessments that let students demonstrate real understanding, rather than trying only to detect AI after the work is submitted.
