Claim: Canvas can record IP addresses for logins, page views, quiz attempts, and submissions. IP address is not the same as GPS location.
| Data point | What it can suggest | What it cannot prove alone |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | Network, ISP, campus/VPN/proxy, rough region | Exact GPS location or who was sitting at the device |
| IP change during quiz | Network changed mid-attempt | Cheating by itself |
| Repeated unusual IP | Possible VPN, travel, shared network, or remote access | Intent without other evidence |
Teacher view
New Quizzes may expose more
Depending on school permissions, instructors may see IP-related metadata on attempts.
Student view
VPN changes the signal
A VPN changes the visible IP, but it can also create unusual patterns if your school expects campus ranges.
For the student-friendly version, read Does Canvas Track IP Address? and Does Canvas Track Your Location?.