The University of Cambridge opposes Turnitin AI training plans (www.varsity.co.uk)

The University of Cambridge has taken a stance against Turnitin's updated licensing agreement, which proposed using student submissions to train AI models. As the first university to refuse the new terms as of July 2026, Cambridge continues to operate under its previous agreement until July 2027, ensuring that no student work from this academic year will be used for AI training. The University's decision has garnered strong support from the Cambridge Students' Union and reflects growing concerns over data privacy and intellectual property in the educational space. This significant move raises important questions about the ethical use of student data in AI development and may influence other universities facing similar dilemmas regarding Turnitin’s services. In light of Cambridge's decision, several other institutions have begun discussions about Turnitin's terms, with some, like the University of Southampton, opting to phase out the software altogether. These developments highlight a broader push within the academic community to protect students' intellectual property rights amid the rising integration of AI in education, emphasizing the need for transparent and fair usage policies.