Students Are Using AI Smart Glasses to Cheat in Exams

Students are using AI-powered smart glasses to cheat during examinations, prompting education authorities in several countries to strengthen inspections and review existing rules.

The issue is receiving particular attention in East Asian countries, where examination results can affect university admissions, careers and social standing.

Countries Tighten Checks

Chinese authorities required officials to inspect all glasses worn by candidates during the country’s annual college entrance examination earlier this month.

More than 10 million students take the examination each year.

In the United Kingdom, the head of England’s examinations regulator recently warned that AI glasses and other smart devices, including earpieces, could make exam cheating more difficult to prevent.

South Korea has also recorded its first two reported cases involving students using AI glasses to cheat.

In Taiwan, a university is reviewing its examination rules and operating procedures after catching a prospective student using AI eyewear.

Cases May Be Underreported

Experts believe the reported incidents may represent only a small part of the problem.

Thomas Corbin, a lecturer at Deakin University in Australia who researches the use of AI glasses and other smart devices in academic assessments, said that more incidents are probably occurring without being detected or reported.

Glasses Are Harder To Detect

AI-powered glasses are becoming thinner and less noticeable as the technology develops.

Newer models can also connect to AI systems and operate with limited external assistance, making them easier to use discreetly during examinations.

The technology has raised concerns about examination integrity as well as wider privacy risks.

Corbin said wearable AI could create a challenge for examinations similar to the impact ChatGPT had on written assignments in 2022.

He also questioned whether traditional examination practices can remain reliable as wearable AI becomes more advanced and difficult to detect.