Cheap Prison Calls:
Do Prisoners Have Internet Access?

In the modern age, internet access is considered an essential part of everyday life, from communication to education and employment opportunities. However, when it comes to the prison system, particularly in the UK, the topic of internet access for prisoners is highly regulated and restricted. The idea of prisoners having access to the internet raises a variety of concerns, including security risks, potential misuse, and how it fits within the broader goals of rehabilitation. This article explores the current state of internet access for prisoners in the UK, the rules and restrictions in place, the potential benefits, and the challenges associated with allowing inmates to connect to the online world.

Internet access in UK prisons

In the UK, prisoners do not have free and open access to the internet as people outside of the prison system do. Unlike the general population, prisoners cannot browse the web, use social media platforms, or communicate freely with others online. The restrictions are in place for security reasons and to prevent potential misuse. However, the landscape is changing slowly, with a growing focus on digital education and rehabilitation.

At present, most prisoners in the UK can only access the internet in a controlled and highly monitored way. Some educational programs and training courses in prisons use specific internet-based resources, but prisoners cannot freely navigate online content. Additionally, the internet access provided is strictly limited to educational purposes and is supervised by staff to ensure compliance with security protocols.

Why is internet access restricted in prisons?

The primary reason for restricting internet access in prisons is security. Allowing prisoners free access to the internet could lead to a range of issues, including:

‍Illegal Activities
There are concerns that prisoners might engage in illegal activities, such as coordinating crimes or communicating with individuals they are not allowed to contact. The ability to access unregulated platforms could enable prisoners to engage in fraudulent behavior, harassment, or the planning of criminal activities outside of prison.

‍Threats To Victims
Internet access could potentially allow prisoners to contact their victims, either directly or indirectly. This poses a significant risk, especially for individuals who have been the target of harassment or violence from the prisoner in the past.

‍Access To Prohibited Information
The internet is full of content that could be harmful or inappropriate in a prison setting. Inmates might attempt to access content related to weapons, drugs, or other illicit activities, which could jeopardize the safety and security of the prison environment.

‍Planning An Escape
One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of prisoners using the internet to coordinate escape attempts or communicate with people outside of the prison to help them. This is a major security risk that prison authorities are keen to avoid.

Because of these concerns, the use of the internet in prisons is carefully regulated and restricted to ensure that prisoners cannot engage in harmful activities.

Education and rehabilitation

Despite the security concerns, there is growing recognition that internet access can play a positive role in the rehabilitation of prisoners. Access to online educational resources, job training programs, and communication tools could help inmates develop the skills they need to reintegrate into society upon release. In this context, many experts argue that limited and supervised internet access could benefit prisoners and society as a whole.

One of the main areas where internet access is being introduced in UK prisons is education. Many prisons offer courses to inmates to help them develop new skills and qualifications. These courses often require access to online resources, especially for more advanced levels of study. For example, prisoners may need to access certain websites to complete coursework, take exams, or submit assignments.

Some prisons provide inmates with computers that are connected to a closed network, which allows them to access certain educational platforms but blocks access to the wider internet. This enables inmates to engage in distance learning and work towards qualifications without posing a security risk.

There are also ongoing discussions about increasing the availability of online learning platforms in prisons. This could involve giving prisoners access to a curated selection of educational websites and resources that are deemed safe and beneficial for their rehabilitation. However, these initiatives are still in the early stages, and widespread internet access in prisons is far from being the norm.

Digital literacy is an essential skill in the modern workforce. Without internet access, prisoners may struggle to develop the skills they need to find employment upon release. For this reason, some prisons are exploring ways to provide inmates with access to job training programs and resources that can help them prepare for life after prison.

Inmates who receive training in digital skills, such as using computers, sending emails, or navigating online platforms, are more likely to secure employment upon release. This is particularly important in industries where digital skills are a prerequisite. Providing prisoners with these skills could reduce reoffending rates, as stable employment is a key factor in preventing recidivism.

Benefits of internet access for prisoners

While the idea of prisoners having internet access may raise concerns, there are several potential benefits to allowing limited and supervised access. These include:

Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Access to educational and job training resources online can help prisoners prepare for life outside of prison. This, in turn, can improve their chances of finding employment and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

‍Maintaining Family Connections
In some cases, internet access could help prisoners maintain connections with their families, which is an important factor in rehabilitation. Secure video call services could allow prisoners to stay in touch with loved ones in a safe and controlled manner.

‍Mental Health Support
The internet could also be used to provide prisoners with access to mental health resources and support networks. This could be particularly helpful for inmates who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, or addiction. Online counseling services or self-help resources could play a role in improving prisoners' mental health and well-being.

‍Learning Opportunities
The internet offers a vast range of learning opportunities that could benefit prisoners. From language courses to vocational training, supervised access to educational platforms could help inmates acquire new skills that will serve them well upon release.

Alternatives to internet access

Given the concerns surrounding internet access in prisons, there are several alternatives that are currently in place to help prisoners stay connected and access necessary resources without the risks associated with unrestricted access. These alternatives include:

Prison Voicemail
This service allows prisoners to communicate with their loved ones by leaving voicemail messages. Family members can also leave voicemails for the inmate, who can respond by calling the voicemail system. This provides a safe and controlled way for prisoners to maintain contact with their families without the risks associated with internet-based communication.

‍Secure Video Calls
In some prisons, inmates are allowed to make secure video calls to their families. These calls are usually limited in length and frequency but provide a valuable means of communication, particularly for prisoners who are far away from their loved ones. Video calls are monitored by prison staff to ensure they are being used appropriately.

‍Digital Learning Platforms
As mentioned earlier, some prisons provide access to closed networks that allow prisoners to use digital learning platforms. These platforms offer access to a variety of educational resources without the risks of unrestricted internet access.

In the UK, prisoners do not have free access to the internet due to security concerns, but there are limited and controlled forms of internet use available for educational purposes and communication in some prisons. While there are valid reasons for restricting internet access in prison, such as preventing illegal activities and safeguarding victims, there is also a growing recognition that supervised internet access can play a positive role in rehabilitation.

Education, job training, and digital literacy are key areas where the internet could help prisoners prepare for life after release. With the right safeguards in place, carefully managed internet access could support the UK's broader efforts to reduce reoffending rates and help inmates reintegrate into society successfully.