Turnitin, a widely used plagiarism detection service, primarily relies on algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze submitted documents and compare them against a vast database of academic materials, including journals, websites, and previously submitted student papers. While Turnitin doesn't publicly disclose the specifics of its AI technology, it likely employs natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to detect similarities in text, identify patterns, and flag potential instances of plagiarism.

The AI algorithms used by Turnitin continuously evolve to improve accuracy and stay ahead of new methods of plagiarism. They analyze various aspects of the text, including syntax, semantics, and structure, to identify similarities and discrepancies. Additionally, Turnitin's algorithms may incorporate contextual understanding to differentiate between legitimate academic citations and instances of improper copying.

Turnitin also offers instructors and institutions features such as feedback and grading tools, which may utilize AI to provide insights into students' writing quality, originality, and citation practices.

Overall, while the exact details of Turnitin's AI technology are proprietary, it's clear that artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in its plagiarism detection and educational support services.