Duolingo English Test Selects Sumsub to Strengthen Security of Digital Exams

• Sumsub gains Duolingo as a new client, working with its standardized English language proficiency test, the DET
• This will help stay ahead of the growing threat of identity fraud and deepfakes on the platform
• The DET is recognised globally by governments and educational institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, LSE, and others

PITTSBURGH, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

About Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a convenient, fast, and affordable English proficiency test, designed with the test taker in mind. By integrating the latest assessment science and AI, the test empowers anyone to certify their English when and where they're at the best. A combination of rigorous security protocols, AI, and remote proctoring ensure the integrity of the test. DET test scores are accepted by over 5,700 programs around the world, including Columbia, University of Toronto, Imperial College London, and Yale. englishtest.duolingo.com

About Sumsub

Sumsub is a full-cycle verification platform that secures the whole user journey. With Sumsub's customizable KYC, KYB, Transaction Monitoring, and Fraud Prevention solutions, you can orchestrate your verification process, welcome more customers worldwide, meet compliance requirements, reduce costs, and protect your business.

Sumsub has over 4,000 clients across the fintech, crypto, transportation, trading, e-commerce, education,  and gaming industries, including Bitpanda, Wirex, Avis, Bybit, Vodafone, Duolingo, Kaizen Gaming, and TransferGo.

Sumsub has citations in research published by global institutions such as the United Nations and Statista, as well as ongoing consultancy and engagements with INTERPOL.

SOURCE Sumsub