Google DeepMind and Singapore’s Government Technology Agency (GovTech) are developing AI that could warn users about suspicious conversations on their Android devices before they transfer money or disclose sensitive information.
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo announced the collaboration at Singapore International Cyber Week on 14 October 2026.
The technology is still being prepared for deployment. Google says its introduction through applications will happen in phases, in partnership with the Singapore Government.
Trained to Recognise Local Scam Tactics
The model has been trained to recognise scams involving impersonation of public institutions, banks and public figures, alongside regional scam schemes.
Google said it would continue training the model as scammers change their tactics, with the aim of distinguishing ordinary conversations from attempts at manipulation.
When it identifies suspicious patterns, the system is designed to display a warning asking users to pause before sharing information or money.
To limit battery use, it first screens incoming messages with a lightweight detector. Suspicious messages then receive a more detailed assessment using Google’s Gemma AI model, which examines more of the conversation.
Conversation Checks Require Consent
Google says the model will access conversations only with the user’s consent, subject to the application’s terms of use.
Analysis will happen on the device itself. According to Google, deploying the model will therefore give neither the company nor the Singapore Government access to users’ conversations.
Mrs Teo said earlier detection could help prevent losses while keeping messages private. She also called for closer coordination between organisations, because a scam can move across social media, messaging services, phone calls and financial institutions.
Installation Details Still to Come
Google said details on installing and using the model would be announced soon. Users will need to wait for those instructions before they can start using the planned protection.
