Online proctoring services, such as Proctorio, Honorlock, and Respondus, are required by some professors at the University of Utah for exams. These services work by monitoring and collecting data from students in order to prevent cheating. Some of these services' recording methods include audio and video recording, room scans, eye tracking, keystroke monitoring, and screen recording. However, not only are these services' recording methods an extreme invasion of privacy, but they are also illegal under the Fourth Amendment. It is time for the University of Utah to ban the use of Orwellian proctoring software not only because of the ethical risks but also the legal risks. 

The main concern is the significant privacy intrusion posed by these proctoring software's features, including audio and video recording, screen tracking, eye movement tracking, keystroke detection, and room scans. While academic integrity and cheating prevention are important, these measures feel excessively invasive, and they push students to surrender privacy in a way that feels disproportionate. In 2022, a federal judge in Ohio ruled that Proctorio’s room scan feature is unconstitutional under the 4th Amendment. As a state institution, the University of Utah could face similar challenges regarding the legality of such surveillance methods, especially when they are used in students’ personal spaces. Additionally, there is no option for students to opt out of using these services, which forces students to share their personal data with a third-party company.

While upholding academic integrity is important, especially as AI tools like ChatGPT become widespread, there are better, less invasive alternatives to preventing cheating. For example, in-person or open-note exams are tried-and-true methods that provide more effective solutions while respecting student privacy.

The time has come for the University of Utah to take action against the illegal and invasive use of online proctoring tools. Students’ privacy, constitutional rights, and academic integrity are on the line. The university must ban these tools to protect its students and ensure a fair, safe, and supportive academic environment for all. Please sign this petition to help bring an end to invasive online proctoring at the University of Utah. Together, we can create change.