Title: Georgetown Grad Students Spend Spring Break Fighting AI Scams in Singapore

Mac Milin Kiran (G’24) led a team of Georgetown University students from law, public policy, communications and design programs on a trip to Singapore over spring break. His goal was to collaborate with faculty and students at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on a global project that addressed AI scams that target vulnerable communities on social media.

They spent five days paired with experienced practitioners to analyze data, iterate on concepts and develop a prototype to fight AI scams. Their work was so successful that the prototype – which educates and enhances users’ digital awareness of what is and isn’t correct information to avoid being tricked by future scams – will be turned into a long-term research project with the agencies in Singapore.

The spring break trip was part of Ideathon, a program designed to uncover tech policy solutions that offer students hands-on experience in the field. Ideathon is the brainchild of graduate students in the Communication, Culture & Technology program in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and Tech & Public Policy program at the McCourt School of Public Policy who wanted to come up with interdisciplinary solutions to emerging technology and policy issues. They also wanted to make the field more accessible to those without technical backgrounds.

Kiran, who is an NTU alumnus, made the connection for Georgetown to go to Singapore in 2024 and facilitated partnerships with local government offices to guide students through the one-week challenge. Known for its groundbreaking technological innovations, Singapore was the ideal destination for the second annual Ideathon, which takes place in a different city each year.

During the week, the students combined AI detection tools, public awareness initiatives and policy recommendations to meet their goal. This immersion experience in a vibrant tech hub city fostered the local and global perspectives that Georgetown aims to impart to students in all its programs.

“It challenged them to apply their theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems, and encouraged students to work collaboratively across cultural and disciplinary boundaries,” Kiran said.

Explore Kiran’s personal reflections from the trip to Southeast Asia and how it ties back to his master’s degree in Communication, Culture & Technology (CCT).

International Perspectives & Practical Applications

“The Ideathon offers Georgetown students an invaluable opportunity to dive deep into the intersection of technology, policy and society. We worked alongside government agencies, like the Ministry of Communications & Information, GovTech and civil society experts on tech law and policy, which gave the team insights into Singapore’s strategic planning for emerging technologies.

It was intriguing to learn about their efforts to anticipate and mitigate potential adverse outcomes. This highlighted their thoughtful approach to product policy and developing digital services for citizens, emphasizing preparedness and the community’s well-being.

This project not only challenged us technically, but required a comprehensive understanding of the socio-technical dynamics that influence tech policy and its implementation. Singapore’s commitment to leveraging technology while ensuring the safety and rights of its citizens offered a compelling context for our work, underscoring the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling tech-related challenges. This exposure to international perspectives and practical experience in tackling pressing issues is complemented by the chance to expand our professional networks with experts and leaders in the field.”

“The knowledge and experiences I gained in Singapore seamlessly integrate into my academic pursuits within the CCT program, particularly my focus on tech law and policy. Classes like Meg Leta Jones’ Digital Law and Policy and Laura DeNardis’ Global Cyber Policy gave me a strong foundation to address tech policy issues. Singapore’s dynamic approach to technology governance provided practical insights into applying technology laws and policies. This real-world exposure to the challenges and solutions in tech policy complements the theoretical foundation provided by my program.

The emphasis on ethical considerations during Ideathon deepened my appreciation for socio-technical analysis — a key aspect of the Communication, Culture & Technology program — and broadened my perspective on global tech policy issues. I feel more equipped with the practical skills to understand the complexities involved in governing emerging technologies.”