I'll break this down into two subdivisions. These divisions explain under what scenario Ghostwriting becomes illegal, against ethics and standards. Academic Ghostwriting As long as you're not a peddler who gets down to offering perks and payments to get their research papers and assignments done, academic ghostwriting is legal. Even though it is often shelved under the category of ghostwriting, it violates the universal code of education, i.e., transparency. So, the authorities have to carry out legal documentation before finalizing the ghostwriting project. Without a legal framework, any ghostwriting remains a shady practice. Rap Ghostwriting Another practice that made waves around 2015 was Rap Ghostwriting, in which rapper Meek Mill accused Drake of hiring a ghostwriter for Mill's song "RICO." Ghostwriting has been around for a long time in the rap scene but is often ignored. Ghostwriters are often unwilling to participate in interrogations to avoid adverse reactions. There have been several cases where Ghostwriters have not been reimbursed or credited even after signing an agreement. Natalie Robehmed, an associate editor at Forbes who focuses on media and entertainment, says that rappers use secret scribblers for input. Whether or not credit is given is an untold tale. She found that every ghostwriter Natalie talked to told similar stories about work released without their knowledge by artists.