California colleges spend millions to catch plagiarism and AI. Is the faulty tech worth it?

California colleges spent over $1. 1 million on Turnitin’s AI detection tool in 2025 to combat plagiarism amid growing concerns about academic integrity. The tool aims to discourage students from relying on AI like ChatGPT for their assignments, but it often inaccurately flags properly cited work and doesn’t effectively distinguish between legitimate and dishonest use. Faculty members increasingly face challenges in grading as they try to discern the authenticity of student submissions. Interviews with faculty and students highlight frustrations over the implications of AI technology on education.

Despite the flaws in Turnitin's detection capabilities, institutions continue to renew subscriptions, illustrating a commitment to maintaining academic standards. This reliance on technology raises concerns about privacy and intellectual property, as Turnitin builds a vast database of student work. The situation reflects a broader arms race between AI-generated content and tools designed to identify it. Educators must adapt to these changes to uphold academic integrity while navigating the evolving landscape of technology in the classroom.