New York City Public Schools Block ChatGPT Over Cheating and Learning Concerns
The New York City Department of Education restricts access to the AI writing tool ChatGPT on school networks and devices. Officials state the technology prevents students from developing critical-thinking skills needed for long-term success.
The New York City Department of Education bans access to the artificial intelligence tool ChatGPT on all school networks and devices. Officials express concern that the AI system negatively impacts student learning and fails to build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The department emphasizes that quick answers from the tool do not support the academic and lifelong success of students.
ChatGPT, developed by San Francisco-based startup OpenAI, generates human-like text on demand and attracts millions of users since its launch in late November. Despite its ability to write essays and code, the AI system occasionally shares incorrect information or biased content. OpenAI notes that it actively seeks external feedback to improve the safety and accuracy of its technology.
The ban emerges as educators nationwide worry about a new wave of high-tech cheating in classrooms. While the AI promises to admit when it is wrong and reject offensive requests, schools struggle to manage the immediate risks it poses to academic integrity. OpenAI states it is currently developing mitigations to help users identify text generated by its system.