We are the Software Champions

Future software developers from South Korea gather every year to showcase their ideas and compete with their peers. Samsung Junior SW Cup is an education program designed for students who dream of becoming software experts. Participants not only present their ideas but also deepen their understanding of software through design thinking classes and lectures. With the support from Samsung and student-mentors from universities, the teenagers get to take their ideas to the next level.

Among a flood of ideas that have been submitted in this year’s Junior SW Cup, an application sent in by the Da-tective team was especially eye-catching.

Da-tective consists of high school students Jihyun, Yeyoung, and Hunjae, whose passion for new technologies inspired them to join the program.

Constantly seeing news on how frequently and easily personal data can be breached, the three students developed an AI ‘detective’ software that allows users to communicate while keeping their information safe.

Please tell us about the application you created.

We created a detective-like app utilizing AI software. When people post photos on social media, their personal information is also inadvertently uploaded. The severity of an information leak may vary, but there are cases where important personal information and data are leaked and damage occurs. Our aim was to prevent this type of havoc through technology.

How does the application protect personal information from being leaked?

The AI software in the app detects personal information in a picture, so users can check before uploading their images online. It works both on gallery and camera, letting the user know if there is any risk of personal information exposure and alerts them of the consequences if the information is exposed to the public.

The development process must have been exciting but still very difficult. What kind of obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?

We were worried because it was our first app. Still, we did our best. The support we received from our mentors was remarkable. They gave us tips and helped us as if it were their own project. Our team would like to thank everyone who encouraged us throughout our journey.