Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill aims to criminalize the provision and advertisement of services that help students cheat on their higher education assessments in England and Wales. It seeks to deter academic dishonesty by imposing penalties on those who offer such services.

Description

The Higher Education Cheating Services Prohibition Bill makes it an offense to:

• Provide services, such as completing assignments or exams for students, in exchange for payment or other financial benefits. This includes arranging for another person to do the work for the student.
• Advertise such services.
• Publish advertisements for these services without reasonable excuse.

The bill specifies that the offense applies only to services provided to students enrolled in higher education in England, without the authorization of the person who set the assignment or exam. A person is not guilty if they can show they didn't know, and couldn't reasonably have known, the service might be used for unauthorized academic work. If a company is found guilty, its directors or managers can also be held liable. The penalty for committing the offense is a fine, either upon summary conviction or conviction on indictment.

The bill only applies to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The cost of enforcing the new law, including investigation and prosecution, is likely to increase government expenditure, but no specific figures have been provided.

Groups Affected

• Students: The bill aims to protect students' academic integrity and ensure fair assessment practices.
• Higher Education Institutions: The bill supports universities and colleges in maintaining academic standards and dealing with plagiarism.
• Companies and individuals providing cheating services: These entities will face potential fines if found guilty of providing or advertising these services.
• Law enforcement agencies: These agencies will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting offenses under the bill.