Artificial intelligence continues to spark debates that, just a few years ago, seemed to belong exclusively to science fiction. In the new episode of the podcast ¿Y Tú Qué Onda?, titled “Can a Criminal Be ‘Programmed’? AI in Prisons,” hosts Jimena Aguilar, Areli Insunza, and Karina Zambrano explore one of the most controversial technological proposals in recent times: the use of brain implants and artificial intelligence to rehabilitate people convicted of crimes. You can listen to the podcast HERE.
The program invites the audience to reflect on the ethical, legal, and social limits of technological advancement. The three hosts have extensive experience in radio, television, journalism, and digital platforms, where they have produced content on current events, society, technology, and well-being for the Hispanic community.
Click on the photo to listen to the podcast
During the episode, they present the case of Cognify, a company that is developing an artificial intelligence-based solution to modify thought patterns using brain implants capable of generating artificial memories, empathy, and feelings of remorse in people convicted of crimes.
The idea proposes a radical alternative to the traditional prison system: instead of serving long sentences behind bars, some inmates could voluntarily undergo a procedure that would alter certain neural processes with the aim of facilitating their reintegration into society.
Based on this scenario, the hosts launch into a wide-ranging debate about whether technology of this kind could be considered true rehabilitation or whether it would represent a form of mind control that would jeopardize people’s free will.
Ethical Implications
The episode also explores the ethical implications of allowing artificial intelligence to directly intervene in the human mind.
The participants wonder who would set the limits on such a technology, which authorities could regulate its use, and what the consequences would be if a government were to use similar tools to influence the decisions or thinking of the public.
Another key issue revolves around the current operation of the prison system.
The hosts reflect on the high cost of maintaining prisons, the problem of recidivism, and the difficulty many people face in fully reintegrating into society after serving a sentence.
During the conversation, they also compare this proposal with other existing medical advances, such as cochlear implants for restoring hearing, devices used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and technologies like Neuralink, highlighting the difference between applications designed to improve health and those aimed at modifying human behavior.
AI in Prisons
Without offering definitive answers, the episode raises thought-provoking questions: Is it truly possible to change a person through artificial intelligence? Would society accept living alongside criminals who have been rehabilitated through technology? To what extent should we be allowed to intervene in the human mind?
¿Y Tú Qué Onda? is an original production by Nueva Network and Nueva Onda that tackles current events, technology, health, society, and lifestyle topics each week from a relatable perspective, sparking conversations that aim to inform and foster dialogue within the Hispanic community.
The episode is now available on all audio platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, where you can also listen to other shows promoted by Nueva Onda and Nueva Network, such as *Jimena Aguilar el Podcast*.
Filed under: AI in Prisons
