Denmark has introduced a new rule that makes students defend their written work orally, aiming to stop cheating with artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Education says the requirement applies to all assignments completed at home and will roll out right away. The policy targets upper‑secondary pupils around 16, covering roughly 9,000 learners in the two‑year HF program who must submit major papers each year.

In addition to oral defenses, schools are urged to use screen‑monitoring tools during exams and to install firewalls to limit online content during classes and final projects. The ministry also recommends that more tasks be completed on campus under controlled conditions, so supervision can be tighter.

Reactions from education bodies were mixed. Representatives from the Danish Gymnas Association praised the steps but called for lasting solutions as AI grows. “We must act now,” said Magnus Heunicke, “and we’ll involve teachers and students in the coming debate.” Anders Frikke added that students should flag AI use in their reports and prepare for oral exams without AI help. Oscar Tønsberg Hoffmann stressed student participation in shaping future policy. The government remains committed to protecting critical thinking in Denmark’s schools.

The goal is to safeguard students’ skills, academic abilities, and independent thought.