File sharing websites offering inducements to students
TEQSA has issued a sector alert after becoming aware of email and social media promotions offering students the chance to win up to $10,000 if they upload course materials or assignments to academic file sharing websites.
TEQSA’s Higher Education Integrity Unit is concerned by the integrity risk posed by sharing course content and assessment material on these platforms.
TEQSA is also concerned that these websites may facilitate the operation of commercial academic cheating services.
Under Australia’s anti-cheating laws, the promotion or sale of academic cheating services is illegal and subject to penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and fines of up to $110,000.
All staff and students at Australian institutions are reminded that commercial academic cheating undermines the integrity of higher education.