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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Sometimes, the cheek of it! (essay writing service details removed) #academicintegrity

An email inquiry from a marketing manager seeking link placement opportunities on a specific website for advertising purposes.

Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This AI written and formatted email from a UK organisation concerned with higher education policy will not do them any favours. The event booking page is just as bad. I'm always shocked that no one reads these things and realises how off the writing style is.

Three collaborative models are outlined: Commit, Build, and Lock In, emphasizing strategic partnership and long-term resource sharing.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Join Mary Davis and me on Wednesday for a conversation on academic integrity in the run up to this year’s International Day of Action for Academic Integrity. The web broadcasts start at 17:00 UK time, Mary and I will be there for 17:15. AI agents like the ones who made this video might be discussed.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

No, an AI generated and formatted unsolicited email request to submit papers to your journal will not make me more likely to submit something #researchintegrity

Journal highlights include open access, no article processing charges, peer review, and global collaboration on AI in education topics.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

These were the exact two prompts used, all in minutes from my phone. Claude researched the event, determined a suitable style, analysed the programme and speakers, all barely touching my quota on the 20x Max plan (but you could do this cheaply on other plans). It defaulted to UK times.

Draft text outlines a code requirement for a 30-second animated advert promoting the International Day of Action for Academic Integrity 2026.

Text instructs to create a square cut and add appropriate audio, suggesting a focus on multimedia editing.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Are you looking forward to the International Day of Action for Academic Integrity on October 21 2026? Check out the full programme of live interactive online sessions and register at www.academicintegrity.org/aws/ICAI/pt.... Read on if you want to know more about the video advert I’ve shared.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I deliberately didn't use the original essay topic (I didn't know what it was) and I asked for various disclaimers to not misrepresent my involvement, but multi-stage assessments like this are easily solved by AI agents, with convincing process evidence included.

A disclaimer emphasizes that an AI agent generated a presentation without human editing, using a fictional student for demonstration purposes.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

With a second prompt (and 2 minutes of work), I had this turned into a 39 slide PowerPoint presentation that I could deliver to educators, in my house style, complete with screenshots of the Word document showing the edits, and with recommendations. I would edit it, but it's a good starter.

A multi-slide PowerPoint presentation covers optional learning, editing processes, feedback mechanisms, and assessment strategies for educators.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Spoiler alert, the answer is no, this is not a good assessment in 2026. I shared the image with Claude Fable, gave it a single simple prompt, and in under 5 minutes got an entire answer for a fake student, along with a detailed critique of the assessment. All on my phone, with no computer connected.

A draft argumentative essay discusses generative AI's role in education, featuring instructor comments on structure and clarity.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

These posts are prompted by this screenshot being shared online, which has prompted a lot of criticism on X, with students not understanding the purpose of the assessment, and some flat out saying they would refuse to complete it. Apologies if the educator behind this reads this, they are not alone.

Instructions for MacEwan students on using AI tools for drafting and revising essays, including citation guidelines.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

"Get AI to write your essay, mark it up and critique it, then hand in your own version". Educators are using this type of assessment with students and some promote it as good practice, but is it fit for purpose in an AI agent first world? #GenAI #academicintegrity

Crumpled paper with "2023?" sits beside stacks of papers labeled "Generate," "Critique," and "Better version," highlighting assessment challenges.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Words drift down the canal. Some are ours.

Workshop flyer featuring Dr. Thomas Lancaster and Dr. Robin Lamboll discussing creativity and AI's role in poetry on a canal boat in London.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Interesting news today that all upcoming Claude models will add hidden watermarks to text (and this functionality will be added to older models over time). OpenAI announced they could do this a while back, but there’s no evidence to say if their text is currently watermarked or not.

A page discusses AI's impact, original use, and the importance of trust, accompanied by a digital waveform graphic labeled "Claude's Hidden Signature."

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Some fascinating historical trivia today for any card players. 150 years ago today, on 2 August 1876, Wild Bill Hickok was killed while playing poker in Deadwood. The cards reportedly in his hand became one of gambling’s most famous combinations, two black Aces and two black Eights.

A lantern illuminates a wooden table with five playing cards: two black Aces, two black Eights, and a face-down card, evoking poker's history.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

If you're using AI agents to vibe code through your local machine, please make sure it's protected. A Reddit user has shared how access to his local machine was shared to various Russian users, who could approve permissions, one of whom asked it to build a GTA-style game #techethics

A laptop displays code with a puppet-like AI agent connected to a phone showing Telegram commands, highlighting tech interaction.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

A new reality series for Netflix is set to feature the latest in deep fake voice technology, only this time it's use is approved by Gene Wilder's estate. But should this technology be used to turn a deceased performer into a commercial asset? #techethics

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I asked the GPT-5.6 Sol agent managing my server to harden it against security risks. I think it's decided I'm the biggest security risk.

A terminal screen displays a bash script for server maintenance, detailing password handling and commands for system updates.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

What could possibly go wrong for Meta for their Muse Image launch on 7 July, technology to allow users to generate AI images by referencing any public Instagram account's photos and likeness? Well, they missed the #techethics concerns and Meta quite rightly pulled Muse on 10 July after complaints.

An iPhone displays Instagram's Muse Image feature, allowing AI image creation. It's surrounded by reactions to privacy concerns and a retraction notice.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Interesting news story breaking today that, in these days of political scrutiny, OpenAI has proposed giving the US Government a 5% stake. To me, this further highlights the need for local models and for international alternatives to the major AI firm offerings to be available #techethics

A visual representation of OpenAI's proposed 5% stake to the US Government, incorporating technology, finance, and global connectivity themes.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I'm pleased that we can finally announce the theme for this year's International Day of Action for Academic Integrity, which takes place on Wednesday 21 October 2026. It is the rather catchy "Recipes for Integrity: Sharing your signature dish". #academicintegrity

Five diverse chefs in an illustrated kitchen present dishes labeled with values like honesty and respect, promoting academic integrity.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Ever wondered if there’s a link between tutoring companies and contract cheating? Well, Shahid Adnan made more than £300,000 through his company Study Sharp Ltd. He’s now been rewarded with three years of accommodation at the expense of the tax payer #academicintegrity

A USB labeled "THE EVIDENCE" beside stacks of confidential papers and a UK map, highlighting a significant exam cheating operation.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

A new Reddit movement is poisoning AI search results. Did you see the reports that Donald Trump and JD Vance had died of rabies? I couldn’t quickly convince AI safety filters to sketch the results seen on DuckDuckGo, but a similar (fake) example is in the image #techethics

A smartphone displays an AI search summary about actor Alex Northwin, detailing a false rumor about his retirement. Data repetition noted.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Presenting at #UKSTEMConf26 today at 15:00, where I will try to deliver what should be three #academicintegrity talks in 15 minutes, on one of the hottest days of the year, including a never-before-shared component too controversial for me to put in the abstract. I’m assuming this is not recorded.

Slides from a presentation on academic integrity and generative AI, featuring various visual elements and discussion topics.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

20 years ago (and 2 days - too busy a week), I gave a little research presentation at a plagiarism conference (with an accompanying written paper) which turned out to be quite well received a decade or so later when people started to take notice #contractcheating

Conference program from June 19 2006 featuring a presentation on contract cheating by Thomas Lancaster, based on a paper written by Robert Clarke and Thomas Lancaster

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Saw Toy Story 5 at a quietly pleasant screen this morning, of interest mostly due to the topical satirical plot of screen addicted children, online bullying, and short attention spans.

AI generated satirical image of viewers in a cinema engrossed in devices, illuminated screens featuring social media icons while a minimalistic film plays.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Guy Curtis here raises a fun but serious point. Wearable technology in the shape of jewellery is fast growing in popularity. We talk in higher education about smartglasses, smartwatches, hidden earpieces and the like, but so much cheating technology is hidden in plain sight. #academicintegrity

A university associate professor suggests using earphones disguised as pearl earrings for discreet listening during exams.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The UK Government today confirmed long-talked about plans to ban young people from using #socialmedia, with a tiered series of measures aimed at protecting under 16s, 17s and 18s. But is this opening up children to other dangers? A thread follows.

Graphic promoting social media regulation, emphasizing the need to restrict harmful features while retaining beneficial aspects.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

I’ve come across a lot of bizarre #researchintegrity stories in the last few years, but the recent reports of an apparently fictitious medical research group exploiting travel grants to present fake research at real conferences has to be near the top of the list.

Fifteen research abstracts are displayed alongside conference badges labeled "Attendee" and "ERROR," highlighting a fraudulent context.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

The UK's independent quality regulator Ofqual have today launched their new video podcast series (link in first reply) with an interview with the Chief Regulator of Qualifications, Sir Ian Bauckham, covering gadget and technology enabled exam cheating in schools #academicintegrity

A layout features an exam sheet, pencil, eraser, smartphone, smartwatch, glasses, and earbuds, surrounded by digital elements.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Are you (or your children) looking forward to the upcoming animated series Punky Duck? How about watching K-Pop musicians travelling through space? Or seeing what happens at a cupcake sleepover? All three series are coming soon to Amazon Prime video. And all are using the latest #GenAI technology.

A person creates animated scenes featuring a skateboarding duck, space-traveling musicians, and a colorful cupcake sleepover.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Here’s the prompt (full text is in the alt).

Redraw the attached image in the most gloriously clumsy, scribbly and utterly pathetic way possible, like a witty hyperactive 10-year-old who's had too much sugar drew it in MS Paint at 3am using only a mouse and pure chaos. White background only.
Make it look painfully low-res, pixel-by-pixel, with wobbly lines, random stray dots, and that classic 90s Windows vibe. Keep it vaguely recognisable but completely wrong in the funniest possible ways - proportions totally off, colours bleeding everywhere, expressions deranged or deadpan in the most awkward manner. Add one or two tiny handwritten speech bubbles or labels with misspelled, sarcastic or completely random text that makes zero sense but somehow makes it funnier. Actually, you know what, go completely feral and do whatever your unhinged little Al heart desires - the worse and weirder, the better.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

It turns out that the latest image generation trend using ChatGPT Image 2.0 isn’t hyper realism, but instead it is child scribble style drawings #GenAI

A red bus parked at a bus stop is humorously redrawn in a childlike style, featuring quirky details and handwritten speech.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Claude Design reverse engineered into an open source product called Open Design (announcement below)? What's the catch? In case you've not used Claude Design, it's a powerful #GenAI design tool. Since its release I've used it to automate videos, design fonts, and even made poster creation software.

A design interface displays a globe with labeled countries, showcasing an automated design tool and emphasizing global reach.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

As we start another working week with #GenAI there to make our lives easier, what if there are fields where AI is actually increasing workloads? There’s recent discussion saying that software engineers are now facing a modern version of an 1865 dilemma from the coal mining industry #techethics

A programmer at a desk surrounded by coding tools reflects the duality of AI as both a time saver and a creator of more work.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Is this the best infographic of all time? It is, according to the new #ChatGPT Images 2.0 model. The new model is producing impressive designs and text. With this, Claude Design, and the right promoting skills, we’re seeing quite a step change in consumer level visual generation capabilities.

Eight habits for better living: sleep, move, hydrate, eat well, focus, connect, go outside, and be kind for a positive impact.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

The days of students (and everyone else) receiving heavily subsidised access to #GenAI tools appear to be over. We’re seeing reduced usage limits, restrictions on API access, and ever increasing advertising levels.

A young student stands before barriers displaying "Access Denied" signs, facing a large padlock symbolizing restricted access to AI tools.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

William Shatner has let out a desperate plea, as images of his battle with brain cancer flood the Internet. The plea is for no one to be taken in by the images #techethics

William Shatner warns of fake news stories about him on Facebook, asserting they're monetized and harmful to fans and his reputation.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Next stage is to add image generation, link to my Typefully account for easier posting, and to interface with other social APIs directly. I also got ChatGPT to write a summary of our work together. The publishing system turned that into a decent post series, but I’ve written this series all by hand.

A digital workspace displays a project titled "Working with ChatGPT and Replit," with options for source management and output formats.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

In the background this weekend, I decided to put my #Replit subscription to use, with #ChatGPT integration as its manager. ChatGPT decided what would best help my workflow would be for me to have a system to generate the types of content I often ask it to help with.

A dashboard displays recent projects and favorite content creation recipes, highlighting tools for publishing workflow optimization.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

I've previously shared the excellent student research looking at how institutional culture shapes student academic misconduct, but there were other many highlights and new findings at the Researching Academic Integrity Student Conference 2026.

A futuristic robot stands beside a laptop displaying code and security symbols, highlighting the Researching Academic Integrity 2026.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Congratulations to Jun Tan, Muhammad Abdul-Muizz, Rayan Lutufullah, and Shotaro Mizuno Norville for winning the Turnitin sponsored Imperial College London Undergraduate #academicintegrity Group Research Prize 2026.

Title slide for a research presentation with the title "Institutional Factors and Academic Misconduct in UK Universities". The slides depicts a book that lies open in a library, with floating letters and mathematical symbols above it.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Screenshots of new technologies being tested by major companies are going viral on social media, but there's a problem. A lot of them are completely fake #techethics

Fake AI generated image claiming to be Airbnb's Exam Desk Beta, offering students various private workspaces for exams, featuring amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks, live exam help, and flexible pricing.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

The UK’s Guardian newspaper today published a mammoth six page investigation into the Cameo videos of an MP that raises some fascinating #techethics questions about public data, platform accountability, and what happens when politicians monetise their voice at scale.

A magnifying glass highlights a $95 price tag on a screen next to a phone displaying Cameo, with money, a microphone, and legal elements.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

The fifth annual Researching #academicintegrity Student Conference took place on 16 March 2026. I hope to share some of the insights in separate posts, but I know people have been asking about watching the recording, so this is now available on YouTube (link in first reply).

Five virtual group discussions showcase student groups engaging in an online conference about academic integrity.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

I read an article this morning about how 5-year old children are arriving at school with all kinds of changed habits as a result of exposure to technology and AI. The one that stuck out to me? Being given a paper book and attempting to swipe it to turn the page #techethics

A frustrated boy in a green shirt points at a page in a book, while another child uses a tablet in the background of a classroom.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

A major vulnerability has been identified with Companies House's e-filing system that allowed any authenticated user to view sensitive non-public personal data of the directors of five million UK companies, and to even file company changes and accounts for them #techethics

A hooded figure at a computer highlights a cybersecurity breach exposing sensitive data of five million UK companies.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

I was reminded earlier this week that points of contention in the #academicintegrity community might not even be considered by other teaching and research staff in their day-to-day duties.

A citation machine processes papers while a blindfolded student struggles with academic integrity, highlighting potential oversights.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

On Monday (16 March 2026) at 16:00 to 18:40 (UK time), I'm hosting our annual Researching Academic Integrity Student Conference on Zoom, which is kindly supported by Turnitin. See below for the provisional #academicintegrity programme. Register here: imperial-ac-uk.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Researching Academic Integrity Student Conference 2026 programme on Monday 16 March 2026. 16:00 Welcome, 16:10 Institutional metrics for academic misconduct prevalence in UK universities, 16:40 Exploring attitudes towards GenAI use in academic assignments, 17:10 Detecting humanised text, 17:40 LLM reactions to prompt injections in essay marking, 18:10 Policy changes in UK university STEM fields since the rise of GenAI, 18:40 Close

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

My final session at #ICAI2026 was another breakout group focused on working with international students, an overrepresented group in academic misconduct cases. There was a lot of frustration expressed in the room, but not many solutions.

A frustrated student holds a failing grade amidst symbols of academic integrity, legal issues, and global education challenges.

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Thomas Lancaster @drthomaslancaster.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Spending my Sunday morning concluding #ICAI2026. Joined the All Things AI breakout group and the discussion covered a lot of ground, but it was clear to me that many delegates just hadn’t been able to keep their #GenAI understanding up to date. Here are some highlights.

A vibrant graphic features the phrase "All Things AI," emphasizing themes of inquiry, learning, and brainstorming in technology discussions.

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