Organized by the College of Science and supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the Department of Information Sciences, affiliated with the College of Life Sciences, participated in the "Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity" event within Science Month, which will be held from November 25, 2024 at the College of Science. 

The department participated in presenting a workshop entitled "The Science Behind the Netflix System" presented by both faculty members in the Department of Information Sciences, Dr. Zahraa Maarefi and Dr. Sheikha Al-Khader, where the spotlight was on Netflix algorithms and the advanced technologies that support one of the most famous streaming platforms in the world. Dr. Zahraa Maarefi opened the workshop with a presentation on the history and development of the Recommender Systems used by Netflix. She discussed how Netflix moved from relying on manual evaluation to adopting advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. She also introduced the audience to major milestones such as the launch of the Cinematch system, the Netflix Prize competition, and the adoption of deep learning models that understand the complex relationships between users and content. ‎For her part, Dr. Maarefi highlighted the role of AI in providing highly personalized recommendations, enhancing viewer engagement, and improving content delivery. She also provided a detailed explanation of advanced technologies such as collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and hybrid models, explaining how Netflix balances personalization and diversity to ensure users discover new and relevant content. 

Dr. Sheikha Al-Khader completed the workshop and touched on the security aspects of streaming services, explaining that it is a vital topic but unfortunately often overlooked, and she also talked about how Netflix protects user data and secures its systems from hacks. One of the most prominent points she mentioned was the role of anomaly detection algorithms, which identify unusual viewing patterns to enhance account security and ensure the accuracy of recommendations. On this occasion, Dr. Al-Khader addressed the challenges posed by account sharing, hacking, and data protection, stressing the importance of AI-powered security measures to maintain trust and integrity in Netflix operations.

 The workshop concluded with a practical session that translated theory into reality. Participants worked on a Content-Based Algorithm recommendation algorithm, where they tested a dataset and experimented with the code, allowing them to see how algorithms analyze user preferences and content characteristics. It is worth noting that the “Science Behind Netflix” workshop provided a comprehensive understanding of the technology and security that underpin modern streaming platforms and explained the importance of linking theoretical knowledge with practical applications, and how AI and security shape our digital experiences. On the sidelines of the event, the Department of Information Sciences of the College of Life Sciences participated in the exhibition accompanying the event through a booth that displayed the most important achievements of the scientific department. To enhance the interactive experience, the booth was equipped with an innovative light show that provided visual information about the department and its programs, which helped visitors learn about its various departments and fields in a comprehensive and simplified way.

This event is an ideal opportunity to introduce visitors to the department’s efforts and its current and upcoming academic programs, and to highlight its vital role in keeping pace with technological developments. It is worth noting that the booth attracted great interest from the attendees, especially with regard to the new program scheduled to be launched in 2025, which is “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence”, which is a qualitative addition to the fields of academic education and professional development. Comprehensive introductory brochures were also presented about the department and its programs, which include bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The participation of the Department of Information Sciences in such events confirms its commitment to its pioneering role in supporting digital transformation and building a knowledge society that relies on the latest smart technologies.