The new security product was launched at DETcon London 2026, at the University of London, marking a new innovation in test security and fraud prevention in high-stakes language testing.
The use of earbud devices to cheat in exams is on the increase as the technology becomes more readily available. Stealth receivers can stream pre-recorded audio notes or real-time, two-way communications with an accomplice or AI tool outside a secure test room.
While standard consumer earbuds are easily spotted, tech-savvy fraudsters are using micro-sized spy earpieces the size of a grain of rice that fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them completely invisible to exam invigilators.
Duolingo’s new ear scan technology uses the DET mobile app to collect sensor data while the phone is held close to each ear and then deploys an algorithm to detect hidden earbuds.
Under the theme “securing the future of international education in a new world order”, delegates attending DETcon 2026 were able to handle the new technology and talk to cybersecurity experts about DET’s newly released security and score integrity white paper.
The white paper details the DET’s multi-layered “human-in-the-loop AI” approach to test security – a framework in which artificial intelligence flags potential irregularities while trained human proctors retain final authority over all decisions affecting test integrity. The white paper is released at a moment of heightened compliance pressure for UK institutions.
Delegates were also given a preview of new UKCISA research into international students’ experiences of english language requirements which detailed student perceptions of different modes of testing and conflicting information about what a university will accept as proof of English proficiency.
Speakers included BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner OBE, and former home secretary, Lord Blunkett, as the conference addressed the most pressing challenges facing the sector including tightening immigration compliance, the integrity of the admissions pipeline, and ensuring that genuine international students can access world-class education.
We believe technology like ear scan helps protect the integrity of our university system by preventing cheating, while ensuring that we keep the doors open to genuine students
Michael Lynas, Duolingo
Michael Lynas, UK and Europe country director for Duolingo said: “We believe technology like ear scan helps protect the integrity of our university system by preventing cheating, while ensuring that we keep the doors open to genuine students.”
The Duolingo team were celebrating the two timely awards for the DET at the International e-Assessment Awards.
The test was the winner in both “AI in Test Delivery” and “Most Innovative Use of Technology in Assessment” categories, with Alina von Davier, chief of assessment at Duolingo, highlighting the successes in her talk on the future of assessment, as validation of the work her team are doing.
