Overview

This bill aims to make it illegal to provide or advertise services that help students cheat on their higher education assessments in England and Wales. This includes services that complete assignments or exams on behalf of students without authorization.

Description

The Higher Education Cheating Services Prohibition Bill criminalizes the provision and advertisement of services designed to aid students in cheating on higher education assignments and exams in England and Wales. Specifically, it's an offence to:

• Provide services such as completing assignments or exams for a student, or arranging for someone else to do so, without authorization, if payment or other benefit is received or expected.
• Advertise such services.
• Publish advertisements for such services without reasonable excuse.

The bill includes a defence if the provider can demonstrate that they did not know, and could not reasonably have known, that the service would be used for unauthorized cheating by a student.

If a company is found guilty of the offence and it occurred with the consent or connivance of a director, manager etc., that individual is also liable.

Penalties for those convicted include a fine, whether convicted summarily or on indictment.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending. The cost of enforcement would likely fall on existing law enforcement agencies.

Groups Affected

This legislation will affect:

• Students: The bill aims to protect students' academic integrity and the value of their qualifications by deterring cheating.
• Higher Education Institutions: The bill supports their efforts to maintain academic standards and prevent cheating.
• Businesses offering essay writing or exam assistance services: These businesses would be directly impacted if their services fall under the definition of an offence as outlined in the bill. They face fines for non-compliance.
• Law enforcement agencies: They would be responsible for enforcing the new law, potentially leading to increased workload and costs.

Powered by nyModel