But such invigilation would take away some of the Internet's free-wheeling charms.

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Critics complain that such invigilation will eventually lead to the establishment of a global super-cop with the power to pry, unchecked, into people's private affairs.

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Invigilation was reinforced by an army of reporters from local radio stations who whizzed around the polling stations asking tough questions of officials and voters, broadcasting every irregularity and peculiarity.

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Dr McLone said that out of 6.5 million exam entries in Britain last year there were only 40 cases of cheating, in conditions of strict invigilation that were likely to catch any would-be wrongdoers.

BBC: News | Education | British students 'cheat less'