Australian Catholic University falsely accuses students of AI cheating using AI detection tool
Australian Catholic University falsely accused students of using AI to cheat on assignments based on errors from the Turnitin AI detection tool. One nursing student received an academic integrity complaint that was only withdrawn after six months, during which a grade hold prevented her from obtaining a graduate job.
What happened
Australian Catholic University wrongly accused students of using AI to cheat on assignments based solely on detection results from Turnitin's AI detection tool. A nursing student named Madeline received an academic integrity complaint email accusing her of AI cheating, but her accusation was withdrawn after six months, during which her transcript showed a grade hold that contributed to her failing to obtain a graduate position.
The university reported nearly 6,000 alleged cheating incidents in 2024, with about 90% related to AI. The university stopped using the Turnitin tool in March 2025 after recognizing problems. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Tanya Broadley stated that about one-quarter of complaints were withdrawn after investigation, and any case relying solely on Turnitin AI detection would be immediately dismissed.
Reported impact
Students faced prolonged academic integrity investigations based on AI detection errors. Madeline reported that the entire contents of her essay showed as AI-written according to Turnitin, with 84% flagged as AI-generated, even though she had written it herself.
The erroneous accusations and slow complaint resolution harmed students' academic standing and career prospects. Students were required to provide extensive handwritten and typed notes and search histories to prove they had not used AI tools, without which they risked having to retake courses.
Index analysis
Turnitin warns on its website that AI detectors 'must not be used as the sole basis for taking adverse action.' However, Australian Catholic University relied solely on Turnitin's detection results to accuse students, reversing the burden of proof and requiring students to disprove the tool's findings rather than the university proving misconduct.
Governance controls
Australian Catholic University suspended use of the Turnitin AI detection tool in March 2025 after problems came to light. The university acknowledged that investigations did not always proceed as promptly as expected.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.