This article explains which Proctorio features rely on AI or machine learning, how to disable AI-based detections, and the impact of disabling Verify Video and Verify Audio on Live Session functionality. It is important to clearly distinguish between AI-based detections and standard algorithm-based detections, especially when the requirement is that AI must not be used during proctoring.
AI-Based vs. Algorithm-Based Detections
Proctorio uses a combination of
- AI / Machine Learning–based detections
- Algorithm-based (non-AI) detections
If AI must not be used, certain settings need to be adjusted or disabled. However, disabling AI features does not automatically mean that video and audio monitoring must be completely turned off.
AI / Machine Learning–Based Features
The following detections rely on AI or machine learning:
Video-Based AI Detections
- Multi-Face (Multi-Face Frame Metric)
- Looking Away / Out of Frame (Head Movement Frame Metric)
- Leaving the Room (Leave the Room Frame Metric)
- Mobile Device Detection (within Verify Video)
- Speaking Detection (within Verify Audio)
If AI must be fully disabled, the following actions are required:
- Set all related frame metrics (Multi-Face, Head Movement, Leave Room, and Speaking) to 0
- Disable Verify Video
- Disable Verify Audio
It is important to understand the impact of these changes on Live Session, as explained below.
Algorithm-Based (Non-AI) Features
The following features do not rely on AI:
- Obscured Camera Detection (part of Verify Video)
- Audio Levels Monitoring (Audio Levels Frame Metric)
These detections are rule-based and do not use machine learning. However, they still depend on Verify Video and Verify Audio being enabled.
Impact on Live Session
If Verify Video and Verify Audio are turned OFF, Live Session cannot function properly.
Live Session relies on active webcam and microphone monitoring. Without these settings:
- There is no webcam validation.
- There is no live camera monitoring.
- There are no alerts for mobile devices or obscured cameras.
- There are no speech- or audio-related alerts.
- The live proctor cannot effectively supervise the candidate.
In this configuration, Live Session security is significantly reduced, and monitoring is limited.
Important Clarification
If Verify Video and Verify Audio remain enabled, Live Session will function normally.
However, alerts will still be generated when certain behaviors are detected, such as:
- “Detected Speaking.”
- “Mobile device detected in exam environment.”
- “Potential obscured webcam detected.”
If AI-based frame metrics are set to 0 but Verify Video and Verify Audio remain enabled, Live Session will still operate and provide monitoring, including alerts related to speaking, camera obstruction, or mobile device presence.
A common configuration when AI scoring must be minimized is:
- Set AI-based frame metrics (Multi-Face, Head Movement, Leave Room, and Speaking) to 0
- Keep Verify Video enabled
- Keep Verify Audio enabled
This allows a Live Session to function while limiting AI-driven suspicion scoring.
What Verify Video Detects
When enabled, Verify Video provides the following functionality:
Mobile Device Detection (AI-Based)
Flags when a mobile device appears in the video frame.
Alert message: “Mobile device detected in exam environment.”
This feature is currently in the introductory phase and does not impact the suspicion level.
Obscured Camera Detection (Algorithm-Based)
Flags when:
- The camera is covered
- The camera is blocked
- The lens is obstructed
Alert message: “Potential obscured webcam detected.”
Webcam Image Test (Precheck)
During system diagnostics, Proctorio:
- Captures a set of photos
- Confirms that the test-taker’s face is visible
- Uses generic feature recognition
What Verify Audio Detects
When enabled, Verify Audio provides the following functionality:
Speech Detection (AI-Based)
Distinguishes speech from common background noises such as
- Typing
- Traffic noise
- Dog barking
- General ambient noise
Alert message: “Detected Speaking.”
Audio AI Assistance Detection (AI-Based)
Detects verbal prompts commonly associated with AI assistants, such as:
- “Alexa”
- “Hey Siri.”
Alert message: “Audio AI assistance detected.”
This feature is currently in the introductory phase and does not impact the suspicion level.
Audio Background Sampling
During the pre-check process, Proctorio:
- Measures ambient noise levels
- Calibrates audio thresholds
- Reduces false-positive alerts
Conclusion
- AI-based detections can be disabled by setting related frame metrics to 0.
- Disabling Verify Video and Verify Audio prevents Live Session from functioning properly.
- Keeping Verify Video and Verify Audio enabled allows Live Session to operate and generate alerts when speaking, mobile device usage, or camera obstruction is detected.
It is therefore important to carefully choose the configuration depending on whether the goal is to disable AI-based scoring only or to remove video and audio monitoring entirely.
