Google DeepMind and Singapore Government collaborate to build fine-tuned AI model for scam detection

Google DeepMind and GovTech Singapore fine-tuned Google's lightweight Gemma model on local scam conversations to create a privacy-preserving, on-device scam detection model that processes conversation data directly on the device. The model uses a two-stage pipeline—a lightweight classifier screening inbound messages, followed by in-context analysis with the fine-tuned Gemma model—to trigger real-time warnings, and was developed within GovTech's GCP environment using anonymised datasets without private or personally identifiable information. Presented at Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW 2026), the collaboration is described as a model for messaging platforms balancing user protection with end-to-end encryption.