Restrictions on Parolees’ Internet Use OKd

Spurred by growing criminal use of the Internet, the U.S. Parole Commission approved special conditions to restrict the use of computers by certain high-risk parolees. The Justice Department announced that the panel voted this month to authorize restrictions on some parolees such as requiring prior written approval from the commission before using an Internet service provider, computerized bulletin board system or computer network. Other restrictions would prohibit some parolees from possessing or using data encryption programs and would require daily logs of computer use or payment for equipment to monitor parolees’ computer use. The commission noted a surge in “how-to” information on child molestation, hate crime and illegal use of explosives on the Internet. “Unrestricted access to the Internet and other computer online services can provide sophisticated offenders with new opportunities for crime and criminal associations,” said Edward F. Reilly Jr., commission chairman.