Some third-party apps, browser extensions, and “study helper” tools ask for broad permissions to your CarmenCanvas account or personal device. While these applications promise convenience, granting access can put your personal data and Ohio State’s data at risk. Pay attention to what access you are giving an app to use your saved data and personal information.
Before you click “Allow,” consider the risks:
- Data security: Once you authorize a third-party tool, your information may be stored or processed outside Ohio State-protected systems. Do you trust that the app creators won’t sell your identity information?
- Account misuse: Some apps can act on your behalf, accessing systems or submitting content as you. Are you comfortable with a machine doing things without your awareness?
- Academic consequences: Using unauthorized tools — AI-based or not — may violate course rules or the Code of Student Conduct. A hearing with the Committee on Academic Misconduct takes up valuable time, even if you were just experimenting with a new app.
- Ethical and legal issues: Unauthorized access to systems or data can violate laws or university policies like Ohio State’s Responsible Use policy. Any time saved from a convenient app could be lost to dealing with the repercussions.
- Cost: Many applications promise a free trial period or no cost for basic level access. The cost associated with the features being promoted as “most useful to students” may be obscured and is likely expensive. Can your bank account handle the hit for something like this?
- Lost learning: Shortcuts don’t build the skills you’ll need for future classes or your career. Take the time and make the effort to learn what your tuition dollars are paying for.
The biggest risk in using apps is giving them more access than they need. Use technology to support learning, not replace it, and stick to instructor-approved and university-supported tools.
Protect your education, your data and Ohio State’s systems by thinking twice before granting permissions.