Google bans essay writing services

Drugs. Prostitution. Guns. And now essay writing services: all items Google will refuse to carry advertising for.

The search giant confirmed to silicon.com it will not carry any advertising for companies offering dissertation or essay writing services and pre-written papers for school or university students from next month.

A Google spokeswoman said: "Google AdWords' policy will soon disallow ad texts and sites that promote academic paper-writing services and the sale of pre-written essays, theses and dissertations. The change will go into effect in the coming weeks. This change was based on several factors, including user and customer experience.

"We regularly review Google AdWords content policies and make changes to keep them current and effective."

Current Google searches reveal a number of companies offering customised and ready-made essays for upwards of £10 per page to £1,000 for a degree-level essay guaranteeing a 2:1 grade for the buyer.

A survey by the Times Higher Education Supplement last year found students are regularly using the internet to plagiarise or cheat on their university coursework. According to the research, 10 per cent of students have looked for essays online and one-third copied material from the internet.

Essay writing services will now join a selection of items banned from Google's AdWords - including tobacco, firearms, 'miracle cures', drugs and fireworks.