TOEIC takers caught using AI smart glasses during exams in Korea

gettyimagesbank

Two test-takers were caught attempting to cheat on a Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) exam using artificial intelligence (AI) smart glasses, a first such cases were detected in Korea, raising concerns about the growing threat of advanced wearable technology in examination settings.

On Tuesday, YBM Korea TOEIC Committee, the organizer of the TOEIC test in Korea, announced that two cases involving AI smart glasses were detected during regular TOEIC exams held last month. In both instances, proctors became suspicious of the devices and intervened.

The first case occurred during the May 10 TOEIC test, when an examinee was found wearing smart glasses, a product available through overseas online retailers. A second case was discovered during an exam on May 31, involving a test-taker wearing smart glasses produced by another company, a model that has not yet been released in Korea.

AI smart glasses are wearable devices equipped with cameras, microphones, speakers and generative AI technology. Introduced to the Korean market on May 25, the glasses can identify and analyze objects viewed through their cameras and display AI-generated information directly to the wearer without requiring a smartphone.

As a result, if a test-taker looks at an exam paper while wearing the device, answers, translations or other relevant information could potentially appear in real time before their eyes, creating significant opportunities for cheating.

To address this emerging threat, the Korea TOEIC Committee has been training exam supervisors to recognize various forms of electronic-device-assisted cheating, including the use of AI smart glasses. Security measures include strict identity verification, management of electronic devices and continuous monitoring throughout examinations. After each test, officials also analyze answer-sheet similarities and unusual testing patterns to identify possible misconduct.

The committee stated that disciplinary procedures are currently underway in both cases. If cheating is confirmed, test scores will be invalidated and offenders may be barred from taking the TOEIC exam for up to five years. Additional civil or criminal liability may apply if exam materials are leaked or copyright violations are involved.

Ha Geum-soo, an official at the Korea TOEIC Committee, warned that AI smart glasses and other advanced devices are likely to become increasingly sophisticated.

“Advanced devices such as AI smart glasses are expected to evolve in a variety of forms,” Ha said. “If we uncover cases involving the use of such technologies for exam-content leaks or organized cheating schemes, we will actively consider legal action, including claims related to copyright infringement and obstruction of business operations.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.