Statement from the members of the Global Academic Integrity Network (GAIN)

The Global Academic Integrity Network is a consortium of 40 education quality assurance agencies around the world dedicated to combating the rise of commercial education fraud services targeting students. Founded in 2022 by Irish organization Quality and Qualifications (QQI) and the Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the network aims to combat commercial fraud and protect students, qualifications and the integrity of national education systems. GAIN shares expertise and resources to help other jurisdictions develop legislation, regulatory approaches and frameworks that penalize the facilitation and advertising of fraudulent services. GAIN Global Network member – Independent Quality Assurance Agency in Education IQAA

Statement from the members of the Global Academic Integrity Network (GAIN)

Today, the Global Academic Integrity Network (GAIN), representing 40 educational accreditation bodies worldwide, is calling on major social media and online platforms to take a stand. In an open letter, GAIN asks these platforms, including X, LinkedIn and Google, to join the fight against academic dishonesty and take action to stop advertising contract cheating services. Contract cheating involves students paying someone else to complete assignments or take exams on their behalf. This seriously undermines the integrity of a student's education and the qualifications they ultimately achieve. It is academic dishonesty, and it undermines trust in education systems around the world and public confidence in qualified professionals. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of fraudulent contracting services on digital platforms. These services not only violate academic integrity, but also deprive students of a genuine learning experience and leave them vulnerable to threats of identity theft, blackmail and mental health issues.

GAIN believes that by having major online platforms partner with GAIN, and reviewing and adhering to community guidelines, we can significantly reduce the visibility and impact of malicious content promoted by essay mills and contract scam services. A partnership between GAIN and influential online platforms would send a powerful message to the world about the value of legitimate academic achievement and would be a positive step toward eliminating this threat.

“In the age of digital interconnectivity, the threat to academic integrity is not limited to any single region or country; it is a global issue that challenges the very fabric of our knowledge-based societies and our trust in the professions we rely on.”

While progress has been made in Kazakhstan to date, with the existence of the Academic Integrity League of Universities, only through a more systematic, global approach and united action can we hope to strengthen and protect the integrity assurance of academic quality and qualifications, and protect the well-being of students, especially among the most vulnerable groups of learners.”

To learn more about the Global Academic Integrity Network, visit www.globalacademicintegrity.network.