Photo by Scott Webb on Pexels

A pilot program using artificial intelligence to analyze incarcerated individuals’ communications is generating controversy over privacy and ethical implications. Securus Technologies has developed an AI model trained on a vast database of inmate phone calls, video conferences, texts, and emails. The system aims to predict and prevent criminal activity by identifying patterns indicative of potential offenses.

Critics argue that the AI’s training data, derived from inmate communications, raises concerns about consent. They assert that incarcerated individuals are not explicitly consenting to their conversations being used to refine predictive algorithms. Furthermore, this type of surveillance disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.

Securus maintains that the AI-powered tool can disrupt serious crimes like human trafficking and gang activity. However, advocacy groups warn that such comprehensive surveillance may overstep legal boundaries and infringe upon the rights of incarcerated individuals. A recent FCC decision allowing companies like Securus to pass security costs, including AI development expenses, onto inmates has further fueled the debate. Opponents argue that law enforcement agencies should shoulder the financial burden of these technologies.

The ongoing discussion highlights the delicate balance between utilizing AI for enhanced security and safeguarding the fundamental rights of incarcerated populations, particularly concerning privacy and due process.