California Governor Gavin Newsom holds press conference in San Francisco, California, U.S., May 8, 2026. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo
(Sacramento, California) – California is facing new backlash over a massive prison tablet program after reports raised questions about how inmates are using taxpayer-funded devices.
The state approved a $189 million deal meant to give prisoners controlled digital access to services like calls, messages, books, games and monitored tools. But critics are now pointing to claims that some inmates have used the tablets for explicit content and inappropriate conversations.
The controversy is not just about the devices. It is about priorities. Taxpayers are being asked to fund technology for prisoners while many Californians are struggling with crime, homelessness, high costs and basic public services.
State officials have argued the tablets are monitored and do not provide open internet access. But the new claims are fueling questions about whether the oversight is strong enough — and whether the program should have cost this much in the first place.
