Denmark's proposed anti-cheat law allows schools to examine students' laptop content,...

midian182

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Those of a certain age will probably remember a time when there were no laptops in schools. Today, these computers aid students in a multitude of ways, but they can also be used for dishonest purposes, such as cheating on exams.

Over in Denmark, Education Minister Merete Riisager has proposed a controversial new law to avoid this practice, or at least make it more difficult, by allowing schools to access students’ personal laptops, reports news outlet DR.

The rules would also allow schools to check students’ search histories and social media activity, which would no doubt invoke the ire of those having their privacy invaded. Examiners will also be able to inspect the contents of laptops, including used material, log files, etc.

The schools will have no legal right to examine a student’s computer forcibly, but anyone wishing to sit an exam or give a presentation must hand over a device for inspection. Those who refuses to abide by the rules risk punishments ranging from having a laptop confiscated for 24 hours, to being expelled from the school.

Not surprisingly, a number of people have expressed outrage at the plans, saying they’re a direct violation of a person’s right to privacy. And there’s always the possibility that some students will find a way to circumvent these anti-cheat measures.

The rules are still only being proposed, so we’ll just have to wait and see if they end up becoming law.

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"Those of a certain age will probably remember a time when there were no laptops in schools."
Yeah, me. Laptops at that time weren't very popular or portable at that seeing that they could fill up an entire five story building and would be a bit of struggle to fit into a students ordinary school book carry bag. Having slide rule was a distinct advantage but was only permissible after standard 8 was completed. Discipline was strictly enforced via the cane and detention after school was unheard of, unless the students were girls.
 
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Why would they want to do this?! some people are still fighting for there freedom in 3rd world countrys. and people that have freedom are giving them up?!
 
Aside from being a blatant abuse of privacy, these rules will also be useless. It isnt hard to set up alternative fake social media accounts and email, and it isnt hard to secure against any tools these schools would be using.

No logs to be found if your account is hidden, for instance.

OTOH, the shenanigans will be hilarious. "no sir, I dont have any cheating software on here. Feel free to look through the 900GB pr0n folder though".

Why would they want to do this?! some people are still fighting for there freedom in 3rd world countrys. and people that have freedom are giving them up?!
Because they didnt experience what it was like to fight for those rights. Same reason people are becoming anti vaccine, they didnt have to live through the horror of rampant diseases.
 
I live in Denmark. We have stupid politicians who make stupid laws. We have several scandals right now and more in the making.

Buying trains that cannot run witout breakdowns every 2500 miles.
Building a railway not suited for existing trains
Building a signal system which specifications have not yet been dediced for
A very expensive software suite for taxing the public, that is unable to tax the public
Wanting to build a combined railway and road tunnel between Denmark and Germany that noone really wants, and German public are severely against.
Our national postal service almost going bust, because government has implemented electronic mail for all correspondance between public office/state and the public, so now they need a shitton of money to save it.

Aaand I could carry on. Our incompetent, overpriced and lazy politicians will always do the best they can, to f... up, and then blame somebody else.

So this is just another drop in the water...
 
I live in Denmark. We have stupid politicians who make stupid laws. We have several scandals right now and more in the making.


Aaand I could carry on. Our incompetent, overpriced and lazy politicians will always do the best they can, to f... up, and then blame somebody else.

So this is just another drop in the water...

Unfortunately, these sentiments are not restricted to Denmark. They can apply to practically every government in the world.
 
I live in Denmark. We have stupid politicians who make stupid laws. We have several scandals right now and more in the making.

Buying trains that cannot run witout breakdowns every 2500 miles.
Building a railway not suited for existing trains
Building a signal system which specifications have not yet been dediced for
A very expensive software suite for taxing the public, that is unable to tax the public
Wanting to build a combined railway and road tunnel between Denmark and Germany that noone really wants, and German public are severely against.
Our national postal service almost going bust, because government has implemented electronic mail for all correspondance between public office/state and the public, so now they need a shitton of money to save it.

Aaand I could carry on. Our incompetent, overpriced and lazy politicians will always do the best they can, to f... up, and then blame somebody else.

So this is just another drop in the water...
The Danes did right by the Jews during the Holocaust. Be Proud
 
Yes, this will definitely cut down on cheating. *pulls out smartphone*

Here's a nutty idea: why not require tests to be taken on paper? Or if not that, provide Chromebooks for testing and possibly for students who can't afford their own laptops. The money invested in hardware would be worth it to protect your school's reputation as well as to keep cheaters from stealing jobs from honest graduates.
 
Why would they want to do this?! some people are still fighting for there freedom in 3rd world countrys. and people that have freedom are giving them up?!
Because they didnt experience what it was like to fight for those rights. Same reason people are becoming anti vaccine, they didnt have to live through the horror of rampant diseases.

Half of Africa is anti-vaccine. You really think they aren't familiar with epidemics? Its all about culture. However, what's really deplorable is how people who only oppose vaccines that have *never* been proven effective are being labeled "anti-vaxxers". Does that make sense to you?
 
Why would they want to do this?! some people are still fighting for there freedom in 3rd world countrys. and people that have freedom are giving them up?!
Because they didnt experience what it was like to fight for those rights. Same reason people are becoming anti vaccine, they didnt have to live through the horror of rampant diseases.



Anti-vacc
Half of Africa is anti-vaccine. You really think they aren't familiar with epidemics? Its all about culture. However, what's really deplorable is how people who only oppose vaccines that have *never* been proven effective are being labeled "anti-vaxxers". Does that make sense to you?


There's nothing wrong with anti vaccine, if people dont want it on their kids, so be it. Also there are case studies (guess where? the almighty usa) where vaccines went horribly wrong and kids got infected ( obviously a vaccine is a virus in itself, but if the body of a young child doesnt know how to provide the antibodies neeeded to fight the disease, this is what will happen).
 
Just to update: This afternoon the proposition was withdrawn, so no legislation this time. Students will not be forced to hand in their laptop for inspection before exams. Massive pressure from multiple sides caused politicians to back down.
 
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