Duolingo English Test joins forces with Sumsub to bolster AI fraud defenses
Sumsub has partnered with Duolingo English Test (DET) to enhance fraud prevention and identity verification for its online language proficiency test.
The agreement adds AI-driven security measures to DET’s existing verification process, addressing the growing risks of deepfakes, forged documents, and fraud networks.
Fraud prevention in online testing
Online testing platforms face increasing security threats, with fraud attempts becoming more sophisticated. DET, which is used for university admissions, visa applications, and employment verification, has been a target for fraudsters attempting to bypass security controls.
To counter these threats, Sumsub’s AI-powered document verification, liveness checks, and deepfake detection will be integrated into the DET verification system. Data from Sumsub’s 2024 Identity Fraud Report indicates that deepfake fraud has quadrupled from 2023 to 2024, and 1 in 100 online users is linked to fraud networks that attempt to exploit verification processes.
Ensuring trust in DET scores
The accuracy and security of DET scores are key for institutions that rely on the test for admissions and hiring decisions. Strengthening fraud detection safeguards both legitimate test-takers and organizations using DET results.
Basim Baig, Head of Test Security for the Duolingo English Test, emphasized the importance of the collaboration:
"The integrity of the Duolingo English Test is vital to the trust our users and partnered organizations place in our platform. By teaming up with Sumsub, we’re combining two cutting-edge security systems with distinct core competencies to enhance our defenses.
“This collaboration ensures we stay one step ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts, reinforcing the strong security foundation we’ve already built. We remain committed to maintaining the highest security standards, which ultimately protects the interests of both our test-takers and the institutions that rely on our test results."
Sumsub expands focus to online education security
Sumsub has established itself in fintech, crypto, and gaming, providing fraud prevention and verification solutions. With the rise of digital learning and online assessments, the company is now working to secure the education sector against identity fraud.
Inna Lyubashevskaya, Chief Customer Officer at Sumsub, explained the company’s role in protecting online assessments:
"The rise of online assessments has made identity fraud and test manipulation more sophisticated than ever. Protecting the integrity of these tests is critical – not just for test-takers, but for the institutions and employers that rely on their results.
“Our AI-powered verification technology is built to tackle evolving threats like deepfakes and impersonation without adding unnecessary friction for genuine users. By working with Duolingo English Test, we’re reinforcing security and setting a higher standard for trust, fairness, and accessibility in digital learning."
