Turnitin has expanded its AI writing detection tool to support Arabic-language submissions, the company announced Aug. 18. The feature is now available through Turnitin Originality and as an add-on for iThenticate customers, giving educators in Arabic-speaking institutions a way to identify AI-generated content in student work.
The expansion responds to near-universal AI adoption among students, according to the company. Turnitin positions the tool as a transparency measure rather than a surveillance system, helping educators start conversations about responsible AI use instead of simply policing assignments.
What the Arabic detection tool includes
Like the existing English, Spanish, and Japanese versions, the Arabic feature provides an overall percentage of likely AI-generated content. It includes reporting designed for educators, integrates into existing customer workflows, and detects text produced by leading large language models.
"By providing Arabic-speaking educators with tools that uphold learning integrity, we ensure that they have solutions designed to support original thought and critical thinking, rather than having LLMs replace it," said James Thorley, Vice President of APAC and EMEA at Turnitin. "While there is no substitute for knowing a student's writing style, educational background, and institutional AI policies, this tool gives educators insights into areas where AI may have been used. Ultimately, it opens the door to meaningful, informed conversations about the responsible use of AI."
Turnitin works with more than 16,000 customers across 185 countries and territories. The company has focused on AI detection since ChatGPT's release, adding support for new languages as demand from its global customer base grows.
What this means for writers
For writers working in academic or research settings, this expansion signals that AI detection is becoming a standard part of the submission process across languages, not just in English. The AI for Education space has moved quickly from detection to broader conversations about how students and professionals should use generative tools.
Writers who use AI as a drafting or editing aid should understand how detection tools work and where the boundaries sit at their institutions. The rise of multilingual detection also means that non-English submissions now face the same scrutiny as English ones, which matters for researchers publishing in Arabic journals or students submitting work in their native language. Knowing your institution's AI policy - and being able to discuss your writing process - is becoming as important as the final document itself. For practical guidance on using AI tools responsibly in your workflow, see our AI for Writers resources.
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