Prisons use Verus software to scan inmate calls for coronavirus keywords
Jail and prison officials in at least three states deployed Verus, a software by LEO Technologies, to scan inmate phone calls for keywords related to COVID-19. The system transcribes and analyzes calls, flagging mentions of symptoms or the virus. Advocacy groups argue the surveillance is an abuse of privacy and could lead to retaliation against inmates raising concerns about conditions. The software is funded by Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy and has been deployed in Georgia, Alabama, and California.
- Date it happened
- 2020-04-01
- Organisation involved
- Multiple correctional facilities in Georgia, Alabama, and California
- Product, system or model
- Verus
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