Overview

This bill makes it a crime in England and Wales to provide or advertise services that help students cheat on higher education assessments. This includes completing assignments or exams on behalf of a student, or arranging for someone else to do so.

Description

The Higher Education Cheating Services Prohibition Bill criminalizes the provision and advertisement of services designed to help students cheat in higher education. Specifically, it's illegal to:

• Provide a service (like completing all or part of an assignment or exam) for a student enrolled in higher education in England, without their institution's authorization, if payment or other reward is received or expected.
• Advertise such services.
• Publish an advertisement for such services without a reasonable excuse.

The bill includes a clause stating that it is not an offense if the provider can demonstrate they did not, and could not reasonably have known, the service would be used for unauthorized cheating.

If a company is found guilty, and a director or manager was involved or negligent, they will also be prosecuted.

Penalties for conviction include a fine, whether through summary or indictment proceedings.

The bill only applies to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly increase or decrease government spending. The cost will likely relate to enforcement and prosecution of offenses under the new law.

Groups Affected

• Students: The bill indirectly protects students by deterring cheating services.
• Higher Education Institutions: The bill supports their efforts to maintain academic integrity.
• Providers of Cheating Services: This bill directly affects those offering essay writing or exam-taking services, potentially leading to legal penalties.
• Law Enforcement: Increased workload related to investigating and prosecuting offenses under this act.

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