Today Sumsub, a full cycle verification platform, announces it is working with Duolingo English Test (DET) to help further safeguard the integrity of the English-language test-taking process. Sumsub's user verification and fraud prevention tools will add multi-layered security on the platform to uphold the legitimacy of the examination process.

Much like other widely recognized and accepted high stakes tests, DET is a target for fraud. While some examinees try to bypass identity verification processes through methods such as deepfakes, forged documents, and fraud networks, DET's systems are actively catching and preventing these efforts. Sumsub's solution now provides an added layer of security, enhancing DET's defences to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated methods of fraud.

The legitimacy of the DET is crucial for institutions that rely on the test to make decisions about higher education admissions; for some employment and visa applications; and for the legitimate users whose livelihoods rely on proving their English proficiency.

As demand for online testing grows, so does the complexity of fraud. Helping institutions stay ahead of fraudsters, Sumsub's advanced verification technology includes AI-powered document verification, Liveness checks and deepfake detection. According to internal data from Sumsub's annual Identity Fraud Report 2024, AI-powered fraud is on the rise, with deepfakes surging by 4x globally from 2023 to 2024. In addition, the report reveals that 1 in 100 online users are linked to fraud networks – organised criminal groups that work in tandem to circumvent security measures. Fraud rings threaten verification processes and the integrity of online testing platforms, and Sumsub's Fraud Prevention technology plays a critical role in identifying these for DET.

"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. " said Basim Baig, Head of Test Security for the Duolingo English Test. "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."

This collaboration marks a significant expansion for Sumsub, which has established itself as a key player in providing anti-fraud solutions to industries like crypto, fintech, and iGaming. Now, with the rise of online education and the global demand for secure language proficiency tests, Sumsub aims to bring its expertise into the education sector, working alongside one of the world's most prominent language learning platforms.

"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," said Inna Lyubashevskaya, Chief Customer Officer at Sumsub. "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."

Looking ahead, both companies aim to expand their collaboration to provide even more robust verification solutions for Duolingo's entire suite of services. Sumsub continues to develop its Non-Doc Verification product, a fast and secure solution that can verify identities in as little as 4.5 seconds, further improving the speed and accuracy of online verification. Additionally, both companies are exploring opportunities to raise awareness of the importance of test security through campaigns designed to educate Duolingo users and institutions about the growing risks of fraud in the education space.