Prisoners Find Ways to Use AI Chatbots Despite Internet Bans
Prisoners across the U.S. are finding ways to use AI chatbots like ChatGPT even though most prisons ban internet access. Inmates are getting help with questions through these tools despite strict online restrictions.
Prisoners across American correctional facilities are managing to access AI chatbots despite widespread internet bans in most prisons. The inmates are finding creative workarounds to get answers from tools like ChatGPT, even without direct online access.
Most U.S. prisons strictly forbid internet access for security reasons. But some facilities are experimenting with limited tech programs. At San Quentin, hand-picked prisoners in the Code 7370 program build and sell real websites for businesses through the education group The Last Mile.
The trend highlights a growing debate about prisoner internet access. Advocates argue inmates need online skills to succeed after release in today's digital world. But security concerns keep most facilities locked down.
Some experts point to German prisons as a model, where inmates get more normal life training including tech access. The challenge is balancing rehabilitation with safety in American facilities.
This shows how quickly AI is spreading into unexpected places. It also raises big questions about whether prisoners should have more tech access to prepare for life after release.
Watch for more prisons to debate expanding tech access as AI becomes more common in daily life.
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