Tunisia's exam internet blackouts harm businesses, fail to stop cheating

Jamming internet services, including WhatsApp and Messenger, during baccalaureate exams is not an effective solution to combat cheating, according to modern technology specialist Ziad Bacha. He stated that numerous other tools and applications can bypass such restrictions. Bacha, speaking on Express Fm on June 5, 2026, highlighted the negative consequences of these disruptions.

Many businesses and institutions faced communication difficulties with their clients due to a lack of prior notification about the jamming. This measure also affected a portion of economic activity. Bacha advocated for alternative technical and organizational approaches that are more effective in securing exams. He suggested reducing the number of personnel involved in preparing and distributing exam papers to limit the risk of leaks and enhance security.

Among the proposed solutions, Bacha recommended sending exam subjects securely from the printing press directly to examination centers via secure digital platforms just hours before the tests. This method, he believes, would also reduce logistical costs. He further suggested implementing a QR code on each exam paper to trace the origin of any leaks and using devices to detect phones and electronic equipment within examination centers. Additionally, Bacha stressed the importance of raising candidates' awareness about cheating, reminding them that fraud ultimately harms the student themselves. He pointed out that diplomas alone are no longer sufficient for professional integration, which is now increasingly based on real skills and abilities.