How do you define cheating in the age of AI?

An AI startup named Cluely has successfully raised $5.3 million in funding with the controversial aim of helping people 'cheat on everything.' The company, co-founded by Roy Lee and Neel Shanmugam, originated from a tool designed to assist individuals in engineering interviews, which led to Roy Lee's suspension from Columbia University. The startup has sparked a debate about the evolving definition of 'cheating' in the digital age, especially as AI tools become more prevalent in assisting individuals with various tasks.
This development highlights the shifting landscape of educational and professional ethics in the era of artificial intelligence. The suspension of Roy Lee underscores the challenges academic institutions face in adapting to rapidly advancing technologies. The implications of Cluely's mission are significant, as they could redefine how skills and competencies are assessed in professional settings. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, the line between assistance and cheating continues to blur, raising questions about fairness and integrity in competitive environments.
RATING
The news story presents a compelling narrative about the intersection of AI technology and ethical challenges, particularly in academic settings. While the topic is timely and of public interest, the article's overall quality is hampered by a lack of balance, source quality, and transparency. The absence of diverse perspectives and authoritative sources limits the depth and reliability of the reporting. However, the story is clear and engaging, with the potential to provoke meaningful discussions about AI's role in society. To enhance its impact and credibility, the article would benefit from more comprehensive sourcing and a balanced presentation of viewpoints.
RATING DETAILS
The story presents several factual claims, such as the AI startup Cluely raising $5.3 million and the suspension of Columbia University student Roy Lee. While these claims are specific, they require verification through reliable sources. The article does not provide direct evidence or sources to substantiate these claims, leaving room for potential inaccuracies. For instance, the exact amount of funding and the details surrounding Roy Lee's suspension are not confirmed within the text. The story's accuracy is somewhat compromised by the lack of verifiable data and direct citations from involved parties.
The article predominantly focuses on the actions and experiences of Roy Lee and his co-founder, Neel Shanmugam, without offering perspectives from other stakeholders, such as Columbia University officials or industry experts on AI ethics. This creates an imbalance, as the narrative may inadvertently favor the startup's viewpoint. The omission of diverse perspectives, particularly those who might oppose or critique the use of AI for 'cheating,' limits the story's balance and depth.
The language and structure of the article are straightforward and easy to follow, making the story accessible to a general audience. The narrative is logically organized, with a clear sequence of events and a focused discussion on the implications of AI in defining 'cheating.' However, the lack of detailed explanations and context for certain claims, such as the nature of the AI tool developed, could hinder full comprehension for readers unfamiliar with the topic.
The article lacks explicit attribution to credible sources, which undermines its reliability. There are no direct quotes from Columbia University, investors, or independent experts to authenticate the claims made. The absence of a variety of authoritative sources, such as academic experts or financial analysts, further detracts from the story's credibility. The reliance on a single narrative without corroborative evidence from diverse and reputable sources affects the overall quality of information presented.
The article does not clearly disclose the basis for its claims or the methodology used to gather information. Key details, such as how the funding amount was verified or the process of Roy Lee's suspension, are not transparently explained. Additionally, any potential conflicts of interest, such as the author's relationship with the subjects or the startup, are not addressed. This lack of transparency can lead to questions about the impartiality and reliability of the information.
Sources
- https://techcrunch.com/video/how-do-you-define-cheating-in-the-age-of-ai/
- https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/columbia-student-suspended-over-interview-cheating-tool-raises-5-3m-to-cheat-on-everything/
- https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/chatgpt-everything-to-know-about-the-ai-chatbot/
- https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/27/chatgpt-everything-to-know-about-the-ai-chatbot/
- https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/24/public-comments-to-white-house-on-ai-policy-touch-on-copyright-tariffs/
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