The use of AI to prevent cheating in Mexico's prestigious National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has led to a scandal that has left thousands of admissions in doubt. The university's online exam system, designed to make the test more accessible and equitable, has been accused of being too reliant on AI and not enough on human monitors. This has led to a situation where students who did not cheat are now in limbo, waiting for the results of UNAM's investigation into the matter. The scandal has reached the highest levels of politics, with the Mexican President suggesting that the university enlist the help of the attorney general to get to the bottom of the matter. The university's history dates back to the 16th century, and it has become a symbol of contemporary Mexico, a center for political and social movements, and a platform for social mobility. The competition for its places is fierce, with more than 100,000 applicants applying for entry each year. The university's stringent entry criteria often leads to protests demanding more spaces in its classrooms. The use of AI to prevent cheating has raised questions about the balance between technological security and academic security. The company contracted by UNAM to administer the exam has defended its surveillance systems, but the situation remains unclear for would-be students who are now waiting for the results of the investigation. The university's Rector has called for all applicants to show ethical behavior, and a control exam has been announced for those who got a mark sufficient to pass either this year or for the past five years.
