Cluely's AI Tool Sparks Cheating Controversy, Raises $5.3M
1min read Cluely, a desktop assistant powered by OpenAI, has sparked controversy with its ability to bypass proctoring software used to monitor and detect cheating during interviews and exams. The tool, launched in April, provides real-time responses from ChatGPT during high-stakes video calls, helping users circumvent detection systems that prevent test takers from opening tabs that might assist in cheating. Available for Mac with a Windows version in development, Cluely runs quietly in the background, offering an overlay that sees the user's screen, hears audio, and acts as a second player for the computer.
The creator of Cluely, Roy Lee, was expelled from Columbia University for creating "Interview Coder," an AI tool designed to cheat on coding interviews. Lee raised $5.3 million to develop Cluely, which he describes as a tool for "cheating on everything." The tool has gained significant attention, particularly after a video of Lee using it during an amazon interview went viral. Lee's vision for Cluely extends beyond technical interviews, aiming to redefine how humans interact with machines and push the boundaries of ethical comfort.
Cluely's marketing strategy is as bold as its functionality, with the tagline "We help people cheat." The company's website argues that technology has always made humans smarter, from calculators to spellcheck and google, and that society adapts to these changes over time. Despite the ethical concerns, Cluely's viral marketing approach has garnered widespread attention, with videos showing its use in various scenarios, including job interviews and dates. Lee acknowledges the ethical implications but maintains that the tool's real purpose is to explore the limits of AI-assisted interaction.
Critics have raised questions about the ethics of Cluely, with some arguing that it promotes dishonesty and undermines the integrity of interviews and exams. Lee, however, sees the tool as a means to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what is possible with AI. He believes that the key to Cluely's success lies in its ability to capture public attention and go viral, even if it means skirting the edges of legality and ethics. The company's future plans include expanding its user base and continuing to develop innovative AI tools that redefine human-machine interaction.
