An examinee takes the Test of English for International Communication (Toeic) examYONHAP
Two test-takers were caught using AI glasses to cheat on the Test of English for International Communication (Toeic) exam, marking the first known cheating case involving the technology in the test.
One examinee was caught wearing AI glasses during a Toeic exam on May 10 and another during an exam on May 31, the Korea Toeic Committee said Wednesday. The incidents mark the first known cases of AI glasses-assisted cheating on the test.
AI glasses are wearable devices that combine cameras and microphones with computer vision AI technology.
Both examinees had their scores invalidated and have been banned from taking the Toeic exam for the next four years.
“When the exam began, we received reports from invigilators that there was a candidate suspected of wearing AI glasses,” a Korea Toeic Committee representative said. “We looked into the matter after the exam to avoid disrupting other examinees and identified misconduct. The exams taken by the two individuals were invalidated.”
AI glasses can photograph and analyze an object, then provide the results through a lens display or built-in speakers. Concerns have been raised that the devices could be used to cheat during exams. Designs of some recently released AI glasses are difficult to distinguish from ordinary eyeglasses because they differ little in appearance.
Meta's AI glasses are displayed at a Shinsegae Department Store branch in Jung District, central Seoul, on May 25.YONHAP
To prevent cheating, the Korea Toeic Committee has strengthened training for exam proctors on how to identify AI glasses.
Education authorities, including the Ministry of Education, are also preparing measures to prevent the use of AI glasses during the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT).
Electronic devices are currently prohibited in CSAT testing centers, which also means AI glasses aren't allowed. However, education authorities are reportedly considering explicitly listing AI glasses among prohibited items to avoid confusion.
Meanwhile, Korea's AI glasses market is expected to expand further. Meta officially launched its AI glasses in Korea on May 25, while Samsung Electronics recently unveiled AI glasses developed jointly with Google in the United States on May 19.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
