Turnitin Adds AI Bypasser Detection to Safeguard Integrity

Turnitin expands its academic integrity tools to detect AI bypassers, addressing rising concerns among educators in Mexico and other countries over students’ use of tools designed to disguise AI-generated text.

The company says that its AI writing detection capabilities now identify text modified by “humanizer” tools. These tools, increasingly available over the past two years, allow students to conceal AI-generated writing, making it harder for educators to confirm originality and undermining learning outcomes.

“While cheating has always been a concern of educators, with the rise of AI, there has been a new category formed of cheating providers. These companies exist to profit from students’ misuse of AI by providing free and easy access to humanizers to conceal AI-generated content,” says Annie Chechitelli, Chief Product Officer, Turnitin, through a press release. “In service of our ongoing commitment to AI writing transparency, we have updated our software to detect leading AI bypasser modifications so educators can uphold academic integrity against this emerging challenge.”

Educators who enable Turnitin’s AI writing detection can automatically scan for both AI-generated content and content that has been further altered by bypasser tools. The company highlights that the update requires no additional integrations, helping schools avoid third-party risks to data or security.

The expansion comes as schools and universities worldwide, including those in Mexico, grapple with balancing the opportunities and risks posed by AI in education. While AI can enhance learning, Turnitin says that bypasser tools erode trust between educators and students and compromise educators’ ability to ensure students understand course material.

The bypasser detection capability is available through Turnitin Originality and as part of the AI capabilities add-on for iThenticate 2.0 customers. The launch follows other recent product updates, including Turnitin Clarity and a redesigned Turnitin Feedback Studio, which the company said reflect its commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for institutions.