NTU to stop using AI detectors from 2027: CNA

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) will cease using AI detector tools from 2027, CNA reported, citing an email sent to the university's faculty on Aug. 13.

AI detectors lack 'empirical validity'

According to CNA, Tan Seng Chee, the school's associate vice-provost for education transformation, wrote in the email that it recognises that current AI detection tools are "fundamentally unreliable".

These tools cannot distinguish between unauthorised misconduct and the responsible partnership with AI needed and "lack empirical validity".

As such, NTU will deactivate its institutional AI detector at the end of the semester, or Dec. 31, 2026.

In 2025, three NTU students were failed for the use of generative AI in an assignment, which the students disputed.

Instead, the students said the school had "falsely accused" them of faking their work.

NTU's policies and guidelines currently advises faculty to use AI detector tools with caution, according to its website.

Among the reasons cited for this include unreliable detection as well as bias against "non-native writing patterns".

Process-oriented documentation in assessment designs

In lieu of using "automated surveillance", NTU will transition towards assessment designs that "evaluate student learning through transparent process-oriented documentation", Tan told faculty in his email, according to CNA.

Relying on "adversarial detection scores" creates an environment of surveillance of distrust and "undermines the psychological safety" needed for creative exploration and productive struggle among students, Tan added, CNA wrote.

Using AI detector scores also force faculty into policing roles, straining relationships between faculty and students.

Deactivating these tools will free the faculty to focus on "meaningful pedagogical engagement".

According to CNA, along with the email, a guide was sent to faculty on how to handle AI detector tools during the ongoing semester.

This includes establishing standardised disclosures and adapting a sample AI disclosure form for their classes.