From March 19, Three Chilean prisons A new system was implemented to block phone signals from prisons. By 2024, the measure is expected to be used in a total of 14 prisons across the country, benefiting cities. Santiago, Arica, Copiapo, Valparaiso, Temuco, Valdivia and Puerto Montt.
Although protocols for visiting and providing supplies to people deprived of liberty are strict, Even so, phones are brought into prisons illegally. In fact, in the last inspection operation prior to the implementation of this new technology, more than 300 phones were seized at the Santiago 1 facility.
According to Thierry de Saint-Pierre, expert in digital transformation and professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Design (FIAD) of the University of San SebastiánThe technology is also used in some of the most effective prisons in the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as high-security facilities in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
Chile has a history of failing to use anti-frequency technologies in prisons. But nothing is permanent over time. Therefore, the implementation of this new signal blocking technique was “overwhelming,” explains the academic.
Jamming of telephone signals is carried out with devices that “create communication interference to prevent the transmission of information”. Report made for Citizens Security Commission Chamber of Deputies and Representatives.
Frequency suppressors were important during World War II, as a means of disrupting the radio communications of enemy nations. However, the scientific theory of wave blocking has begun to be explored British scientist Michael Faraday from 1836In the famous experiment of Faraday cage.
The experiment consisted of a metal box containing some electric charges, inside which no wave field was generated. This The principle used in most devices is to block phone signalsIt usually has antennas located at strategic points They limit the signals within their range.
“Measures to block mobile phone signals in prisons are only intended to block targeted calls to commit fraudulent offences, But fight on Planning crimes from prisons and combating cell phone smuggling”, explains the Citizen Security Commission report.
Also, signal jamming is not only used in the telecommunications industry. Faraday's principles are also currently used, e.g. Avoid interfering with biomedical laboratories. Therefore, in most examinations such as ultrasound or X-ray, it is necessary Removing metal parts such as watches or earringsSo get only the required data without interrupting the signal block.
Countries recognized (and widely criticized) for strict security measures such as savior, have chosen to use the devices “jammers” in all its prisons. These have Large antennas Located within the prison facilities.
According to de Saint Pierre, these elements emit a very strong signal It intercepts all other signals around it. “It's like when you're listening to one radio, another radio comes over you. So you cannot hear or understand them both,” explains academician Q to Basa.
In Chile, this tool has been tried for years. however, Gradually abandoned by the authorities Because it isolated not only the people who had been deprived of their freedom, but also the gendarmerie personnel and all the people who were close to the compound.
“The biggest problem is this “It caused interception problems for neighbors.”De Saint-Pierre commented to Q. Basa.
Unlike the technology used by jammers, although there is not much information about the technology used, new measures will be implemented. Santiago Sir Detention Center, Santiago I and Special High Security Prison Facility, It doesn't block all phones, but only those determined to be illegal or dangerous.
This new system allows us to select certain signals that can be blocked within the perimeter of several antennas, which are located at strategic points, the academic explains. “It's very precise and sophisticated,” he says.
This technology is a A computer system capable of scanning the blocking area and identifying which are illegal cell phones. For this reason, “the Gendarmery must constantly monitor new illegal signals and add them to this black list,” the academic explains.
Also, “If the antennas used to block the signal are well directed, it should not affect the residents of nearby places,” says the engineer. With this, you can Block all internet signals including 5G and phone callscomments.
“There are many technologies to intercept signals, but this is one of the most advanced in the world” Education ends.
