The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the educational field poses significant challenges for secondary and higher education institutions. These institutions must urgently define clear frameworks for the use of this technology to avoid misunderstandings and abuse. This article explores the importance of structured guidance and the repercussions of the absence of such regulations.
The stakes of using AI in academic settings
AI has integrated into many aspects of daily life, including education. Indeed, students use it to facilitate their studies, write papers, or even prepare for exams. However, this growing independence raises ethical and legal questions. Institutions must be concerned about the potential impact on academic integrity, as well as the ability to objectively assess students’ skills.
A recent illustration of this issue can be found at the Panthéon-Sorbonne University, where a president tried to sanction a student for using an AI in writing her thesis. This case highlights the necessity for a broader discussion on the role of AI in academic work and the need to establish clear guidelines.
A significant legal precedent
In January 2026, the disciplinary section of the academic council ruled that the student should not be sanctioned, as the university had not defined clear rules regarding access to AI. This verdict sheds light on an essential legal principle: without established guidelines, it is challenging to characterize a wrongful act related to the use of technology. This means that the absence of regulations within institutions creates a legal void that must be filled.
Implications for educational institutions
Educational institutions must adopt policies that specify how AI can be used by students. This formalization will not only clarify what is acceptable but also set the limits that must not be exceeded. For example, it may be necessary to determine the percentage of work that can be done with the help of AI to ensure that the final result remains the student’s own work.
Re-evaluating assessment methods
The use of AI challenges traditional assessment methods. As students increasingly view technology as a partner rather than just a tool, institutions must adjust their success criteria. Thus, assessment procedures must evolve to take into account the new skills required, such as the ability to collaborate with an AI to produce quality work.
The challenge also lies in balancing fiduciary responsibility and innovation, as it is crucial for institutions to learn how to make the most of this technology while ensuring the integrity of the degrees awarded. Establishing best practice charters, as has been done at Sorbonne for law students, could serve as a model to be followed by other disciplines and institutions.
Trends in integrating AI
Recent court decisions pave the way for greater awareness of the issues associated with the use of AI in education. Institutions must prepare for the future by integrating these technologies responsibly. Initiatives to regulate the use of AI are therefore urgent and necessary, as neglecting this topic could undermine the very foundations of education.
It has become essential for institutions to formalize a proactive approach. For example, discussions regarding the creation of a charter for the use of AI should be held at all levels of education so that each student knows exactly what their possibilities and limitations are. By integrating AI thoughtfully and systematically, education can not only adapt to students’ needs but also prepare them for a future where they will know how to use these technologies with discernment and ethics.
