Bangkok: 'AI glasses' are emerging as a new tool for exam cheating across Asia, where several countries are contending with the covert use of these high-tech devices to gain an unfair advantage in exams. The intense academic pressure prevalent in the region has spurred the adoption of advanced technology to aid in exam cheating.
According to Thai News Agency, while Thailand is embroiled in a scandal involving corruption in local government recruitment exams, other Asian countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan are facing challenges with AI smart glasses that have evolved from innovative gadgets into instruments of deceit in examination settings. These modern smart glasses are equipped with Generative AI technology, enabling them to function independently of smartphones. They feature a tiny camera that discreetly captures exam questions, which are then analyzed by AI models like GPT or Gemini to generate answers that appear on the lenses or are whispered to the wearer via bone conduction headphones.
The fiercely competitive examination cultures in these countries, such as South Korea's Suneung university entrance exam and China's Gaokao, have become critical areas that educational systems need to address promptly. In South Korea, exam proctors have already detected instances of cheating using AI glasses during the TOEIC English exam. Additionally, a video demonstrating the AI glasses' capability to solve math problems rapidly has led to schools banning all types of glasses from exam rooms.
In China, where the Gaokao exam is in progress, authorities in regions like Guangdong, Shanghai, and Inner Mongolia have ramped up security, requiring test-takers to remove and inspect their glasses. Similarly, in Taiwan, an incident involving AI glasses during the National Taiwan University entrance exam has been reported.
As new AI glasses designed to be nearly indistinguishable from regular glasses are anticipated by 2026, educational institutions face mounting pressure to enhance their technological defenses. These measures include providing standard clear plastic glasses to test-takers, installing signal blockers, utilizing thermal cameras, and employing advanced metal detectors to detect concealed electronic components.
Invigilators are also being trained to detect unusual behaviors, such as touching the frame of glasses or maintaining an unusual gaze at exam papers, which may indicate the use of AI glasses. Despite these challenges, experts like Kong Shui-cheng from the Hong Kong Academy of Education emphasize the importance of not demonizing AI technology. Instead, they advocate for fostering students' cognitive and planning skills to mitigate overreliance on AI, urging institutions to embrace the benefits of AI responsibly.