28/08/2026
'I was suspended from University after a claim that the material I submitted was AI generated and not researched by me,' said a client.
Pitfalls to avoid using Artificial Intelligence and legal consequences ...
Many educational institutions and even employment agencies and corporations are using AI checkers to sort through submitted content to determine what is original material and what comes from AI generated sources.
Where does this leave you if you get rejected, ignored or, worse still, legally challenged, suspended, expelled or fired?
*Research*
Particularly for a research based thesis submitted when you need to prove innocence of plagiarism or "cut and paste" straight copying, you should do the following:
1. Ask for evidence of wrong-doing : what exactly triggered the accusation, what AI detector was used and what score did the document receive? These can be legally challenged.
2. Don't panic and send off an immediate response or apology until the answers have been received and assessed. Demand the answers.
3. When originating documents on Word or Google docs turn on version history, so that the keystrokes are recorded and can help prove your innocence. It shows every input and edit.
*Court cases*
For other projects, CVs or strategy help, AI can be very useful providing background or a structure, but remember AI can also be wrong and it can't be relied on for expert help. There have been court cases where the attorney cited cases in support of his argument only for the judge to point out that the cited cases don't exist or relate to a completely different topic. Make sure all sources and facts are checked for accuracy before relying on them. I have tested this myself and then fed the correct answer back into AI to get a response, and it actually apologies and then tries to cover itself/himself!!!
*Job applications*
For job applications, companies use AI to sift and reject applications, and you may have no idea that you've actually been eliminated before anyone has even looked at your application. Make sure you write CVs and applications in your own words and if using AI, use it as a guide only and not something you merely cut and paste. Make sure the application truly reflects who you are. Be authentic.
*Employer caution*
For employers, the dangers of using AI to filter out content is that AI can also be wrong and you could be a victim yourself of AI deception, losing the personal aspect of finding the right person for your job and losing a bit of humanity and authenticity along the way. Do you want your business to be AI generated and run?
*AI failures*
AI failures happen in business when systems make costly mistakes, go rogue, or fail to deliver a return on investment due to poor data and lack of oversight. Be wary and avoid this in your business - particularly the need for oversight.
AI is here into the future, but be wary, vigilant and manage and contain failures, or risk complete failure yourself.
- by Dave Mc Naught
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