British Universities Uncover Deepfake Applicants Amidst Efforts to Streamline Admissions

Deepfake Scams in Higher Education: UK Universities Battle AI-Driven Fraud

British universities are encountering a new and sophisticated challenge in their efforts to streamline interview processes for international students through automation: the emergence of "deepfake" applicants. Enroly, a software platform utilized by several universities to automate application procedures, has recently identified instances of candidates employing deepfake technology during online interviews. This unsettling development, reminiscent of science fiction, underscores the increasing complexity and potential risks associated with automating admission processes.

Deepfake technology uses AI to alter faces and voices, allowing applicants to change their speech or disguise the person answering. Enroly reported that, while only 30 out of 20,000 interviews during the January intake involved deepfakes, it highlighted the potential for the technology to become “the future of fraud.” Phoebe O’Donnell, Enroly’s head of services, described deepfakes as “the stuff of nightmares for interview assessors” due to their difficulty to detect. She explained that, through real-time technology and clever strategies, Enroly had managed to prevent several attempts. Although the trend is currently small, O'Donnell emphasized that it is growing, and Enroly is committed to staying ahead by working with partners and the wider sector.

O'Donnell also referenced a previous incident involving the CEO of WPP, the world’s largest advertising group, who was targeted by a sophisticated deepfake scam using an AI-generated voice clone and video. Enroly's analysts reported discovering "outright deception" in 1.3% of the 20,000 interviews, with deepfakes comprising just 0.15%, far fewer than other deceptive methods such as impersonation, lip-syncing, or third-party assistance. To detect fraud, Enroly employs methods such as facial recognition and passport matching. Many UK universities now rely on automated online interviews and questionnaires to screen international applicants before issuing the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) certificate required for visa processing.

The automated interviews allow applicants to record their responses to randomly selected questions via the online platform, which are then reviewed by university admissions staff. If any responses are deemed unsatisfactory or suspicious, they can be flagged for further review, including a live interview with the candidate. UK universities must vet international applicants carefully to avoid losing their license to sponsor students through UKVI. If over 10% of sponsored applicants are rejected by the Home Office, they face penalties. Automated interviews provide a more efficient way to assess applicants' performance and English skills, saving time compared to live interviews. The emergence of deepfake applicants highlights the urgent need for more robust and sophisticated security measures in automated admission processes.

Editor's Note:

The rise of deepfake technology in university admissions is a serious issue for the education sector. As digital manipulation becomes more advanced, the trustworthiness of our admission processes is at risk. This type of fraud highlights the need for universities to keep up with technology and improve their security measures. With the growing use of artificial intelligence and other digital tools, institutions must adapt quickly to prevent potential misuse. The future of higher education relies not only on using automation for efficiency but also on ensuring the honesty and credibility of every applicant. Universities must invest in new technologies and work together to protect the integrity of academic admissions.

Skoobuzz believes that institutions should prioritize the authenticity of their admission systems. By doing so, they will secure the credibility of their processes and help maintain public trust in the value of higher education globally.