Source: The Marshall Project

An in-depth report by The Marshall Project investigates the expanding use of artificial intelligence-powered surveillance technologies within the California state prison system. The article reveals how prison authorities are deploying sophisticated AI systems to monitor nearly every aspect of inmate life. These technologies include systems that scan inmate communications, such as phone calls and messages, for keywords that might indicate illicit activity, and advanced camera systems that use AI to analyze behavior and flag potential conflicts or security threats in real-time.

The investigation raises profound concerns about the implications of this high-tech surveillance. Civil liberties advocates and legal experts quoted in the piece warn about the erosion of inmate privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias to unfairly target certain individuals or groups. A major issue is the lack of transparency and independent oversight regarding how these AI tools are developed, tested, and used, making it difficult to challenge their findings or assess their accuracy and fairness. The article paints a picture of a new reality in corrections where machine surveillance is becoming pervasive, creating a powerful new tool for control that operates with minimal public scrutiny or regulation.