# Google DeepMind and Singapore launch on-device scam detection tool

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-10-14T02:00:14Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-and-singapore-launch-on-device-scam-detection-tool

## Summary

Google DeepMind and the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) have announced a new on-device AI tool designed to protect citizens from financial scams. This collaboration, part of the National AI Partnership, addresses a critical issue where scams account for over half of reported crimes in Singapore and have caused more than S$4 billion in losses since 2019. The tool specifically targets complex social engineering tactics, which now represent up to 80% of all scam-related losses.

The solution uses a lightweight version of Google’s Gemma model, fine-tuned on local scam conversations to distinguish between benign chatter and manipulative intent. Unlike traditional cloud-based scanning, this model runs directly on smartphones, preserving user privacy by keeping conversation data on the device. It employs a two-stage pipeline: a low-power classifier screens messages, followed by a deeper contextual analysis by the Gemma model to confirm threats and trigger real-time warnings.

The project was presented at Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW 2026) and emphasizes strict governance, including training within a sovereign sandbox and excluding personally identifiable information. The initiative aims to provide a template for other messaging platforms and operating system vendors to integrate local safety features without compromising end-to-end encryption.

## Key points

- Scams cause over S$4 billion in losses in Singapore since 2019, with social engineering driving 80% of losses.
- The tool uses a fine-tuned Gemma model running on-device to detect scams while preserving privacy.
- Development involved a two-stage pipeline and strict governance, excluding private data from training.

## Why it matters

This project demonstrates a viable method for integrating privacy-preserving AI safety features into consumer devices, offering a scalable model for governments and tech companies to combat digital fraud without compromising user data.

## Sources

1. [Google DeepMind and Singapore Government announce new AI tool to protect citizens against scams](https://deepmind.google/blog/on-device-ai-scam-detection-mddi) (Google DeepMind, 2026-10-14, primary source)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Google DeepMind and Singapore launch on-device scam detection tool", 14 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/google-deepmind-and-singapore-launch-on-device-scam-detection-tool

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