AI cheating in coding interviews? Tech giants take drastic steps
It's August 2025, and big tech names like Google, Meta, and Microsoft are struggling with a new headache: candidates using AI tools to cheat on remote coding interviews.
This trend is making it harder for companies to know if applicants actually have the skills they claim.
The AI dilemma
Cheating is especially common when popular coding questions or take-home tasks are given without supervision.
Since AI can churn out code but doesn't really "get" the problem, interviewers are increasingly asking candidates to explain their solutions in person.
That's why companies like Google and Cisco are bringing back in-person interviews—to see real skills in action.
Amazon's unique solution
Amazon's approach? Candidates must sign agreements promising not to use unauthorized AI tools during assessments.
The goal across the board: make sure hiring decisions reflect genuine ability, not just clever use of chatbots.
The road ahead
With more companies worried about AI misuse, expect more traditional interviews focused on real problem-solving and computer science basics.
It's all about keeping hiring fair—even if it means slowing things down to build trust again.