Warning that students 'have access to AI in their back pockets'

Patrick Hickey warns parents and teachers that AI is not some arcane secret software but rather a tool that is readily available via SnapChat on teenagers' phones. Stock picture: Thomas Trutschel/Photothek/Getty

Every student in Ireland using popular messaging app Snapchat has easy access to a personal “homework genie” powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that can do their assignments in a matter of seconds.

That is the warning from teacher Patrick Hickey, an Irish expert in AI and education, who believes that most teachers, principals, and parents are unaware that students have access to this level of AI “in their back pocket”.