We, the students of the University of South Africa (UNISA), are raising our voices against the growing injustice caused by the university's use of AI-powered detection systems during online examinations. Since the introduction of the Invigilator App and AI-based plagiarism tools, many innocent students have been wrongfully accused of using AI or engaging in misconduct. These tools claim to detect “AI-generated work,” but experts and institutions worldwide have found them to be deeply unreliable and scientifically unproven.

The emotional and academic damage caused by these false accusations is severe. Students face withheld results, prolonged investigations, and reputational harm — all without conclusive evidence or a fair chance to defend themselves. AI detection tools such as Turnitin’s AI score are not 100% accurate and can misidentify human-written work. Background noises, technical issues, or connectivity problems during online exams can trigger false flags on the Invigilator App. Students experience anxiety, stress, and fear, knowing that even honest work can be misinterpreted as misconduct.

UNISA’s appeal and review processes lack transparency, leaving many students feeling unheard and unsupported. Even the University of Cape Town (UCT) — one of South Africa’s leading academic institutions — has officially abandoned AI detection tools as of October 2024, stating that they “undermine student trust and fairness.” UCT’s Senate Teaching and Learning Committee confirmed that AI detectors are unreliable and that education should instead focus on AI literacy and integrity, not punishment. If UCT can recognise this and move towards human-centred, fair assessment, UNISA should too.

We, as UNISA students, call on the university’s management and Senate to: Reinstate venue-based (in-person) examinations to restore fairness and transparency in the assessment process. Suspend the use of AI detection tools until their accuracy and fairness are independently validated. Develop clear AI and academic integrity policies, aligned with national and international best practices. Create a transparent appeal process that allows students to challenge false allegations of AI use. Include student representation in future discussions on technology and assessment practices.

Education should empower, not intimidate. Students should not fear being accused of misconduct simply because of a flawed algorithm. The University of Cape Town has already recognised that AI detection tools cannot be trusted and has removed them entirely. It’s time for UNISA to follow suit and protect the integrity, dignity, and trust of its students. Let’s work toward a fair, human-centred, and ethical assessment system — one that values learning over punishment.

Sign this petition to demand fairness at UNISA — end unreliable AI detection tools and bring back venue-based exams!