England's exams regulator, Ofqual, has raised alarm over emerging technologies like smart glasses and AI tools that could enable sophisticated cheating during GCSE exams, signaling a new frontier in exam security and authenticity concerns.
- Smart glasses and invisible earpieces create harder-to-detect cheating risks.
- Device-related cheating made up 44.3% of malpractice cases in 2025 GCSE exams.
- Ofqual considers removing coursework if AI submissions undermine trust.
What happened
Ofqual, the exams watchdog for England, disclosed concerns about a new wave of cheating enabled by advancements in consumer electronics, including smart glasses and hidden earpieces. These devices can discreetly provide exam candidates with external information without detection by invigilators. Mobile phones have historically been the focus of malpractice prevention, but this next generation of tech poses more complex challenges.
In 2025, nearly half of all student malpractice incidents involved mobile phones or similar devices. However, regulators now face the prospect of students leveraging new wearable technology that can relay answers or assist with problem solving in real-time during exams, complicating efforts to uphold examination integrity.
Why it matters
The availability and miniaturization of connected technology with AI capabilities mean exam authorities must evolve their security protocols. The potential for exams to be compromised at a scale and sophistication beyond previous methods threatens public confidence in academic qualifications, which are vital for progression in education and employment.
Additionally, the spread of AI tools capable of generating coursework raises separate issues about the authenticity of student-submitted assignments. Ofqual is actively studying ways to verify that coursework is the genuine effort of the students, exploring approaches such as requiring detailed source citations and greater teacher oversight.
What to watch next
Ofqual is expected to develop new exam guidelines and invigilation strategies to detect and prevent misuse of emerging wearables during assessments. This could involve training invigilators on the latest consumer tech and possibly restricting the use of certain devices altogether.
In parallel, regulators may decide to reduce or eliminate coursework components in some qualifications if the risk of AI-generated submissions cannot be adequately controlled. The coming years will see a balancing act between harnessing technology to support learning and guarding against threats to academic credibility.