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UvA is allowed to use anti-cheat software for online exams

The University of Amsterdam may use software during online exams to check whether students are cheating. That is determined by the preliminary relief judge in a case that was brought by two student councils and one student.

With the surveillance software, students are monitored via the camera on their laptop or PC. The use of microphone, internet traffic and use of mouse and keyboard is also monitored. Suspicious behavior during an examination is reported automatically, after which the invigilator can view the images and data.

Corona measures

According to the students, the use of this type of software is a violation of their privacy and therefore violates the law. They also believe that the UvA should have asked for their prior permission. The judge did not agree. Student councils have no right of approval when it comes to rules regarding surveillance, according to the judge.

The judge also agrees with the UvA that the corona measures make it necessary for examinations to be taken online and that measures must be taken to prevent fraud. According to the court, there has been no infringement of student privacy.

The judge also took into account that students are not being followed live: an invigilator will only have access to the data from the student’s computer if significant abnormal behavior has been established. The data is stored encrypted and automatically destroyed after thirty days.

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