Prisons in the Digital Age: Normality and Risks of Abuse

Abstract

The digitalization of prison systems and the integration of advanced technologies into the carceral environment—such as video surveillance, biometric sensors, digital platforms for managing daily activities, and online communication tools—are frequently promoted as modern solutions for enhancing safety, administrative efficiency, and institutional transparency. However, their impact on the rights of individuals deprived of liberty remains insufficiently examined, and the potential for abuse cannot be overlooked. This paper explores how technology may contribute to the prevention of degrading treatment—by increasing visibility and traceability of interactions—while simultaneously amplifying risks through excessive surveillance, disproportionate data collection, or opaque use of digital instruments. The study also analyzes the emergence of a possible "digital overseer," an algorithmic regime of control that may consolidate institutional power at the expense of adaptive normality and personal autonomy. It offers a balanced perspective on the opportunities and risks associated with the digitalization of the penitentiary environment, emphasizing the need for strong safeguards, technological transparency, and a robust ethical framework to protect fundamental rights within the contemporary carceral context.