In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Yet for incarcerated individuals, access to modern tools like computers and tablets remains limited and highly regulated. While some states are making strides in providing secure, approved technology to inmates, others lag behind, leaving a significant gap in information access.
This article explores the current state of tablet and computer access for inmates in Pennsylvania, federal facilities, and notable programs that set the gold standard for equitable information access.
Tablet Access for Inmates in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, state correctional facilities allow inmates to purchase specially designed tablets through ViaPath Technologies. These devices are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) and operate under strict security protocols. Learn more.
- No Internet or Camera Access – Tablets lack WiFi, cameras, or office suite software to prevent misuse.
- Pre-Approved Applications Only – All installed apps are vetted by the DOC.
- Limited Entertainment & Communication – Inmates can send and receive emails, listen to approved music, read eBooks, and play games—all from pre-approved selections.
While this controlled access is far from full internet connectivity, it offers inmates a limited window into digital tools while maintaining prison security.
Federal Prisons and the Keefe Score 7c Tablet
At the federal level, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) announced in October 2022 that it was rolling out the Keefe Score 7c tablet in federal institutions. Available through commissaries for $118, the tablet was marketed as a multi-purpose device.
Initially, the BOP promised:
- Paid music downloads
- Paid movie rentals
- Fee-based text, photo, and video-gram messaging for communication with loved ones
However, in practice, many facilities have not enabled the promised messaging or phone call features. Reports from incarcerated individuals reveal that they would not have invested in the device had they known these functions would remain disabled, leaving them with only paid entertainment options like music, movies, and games.
This discrepancy between the promised and actual functionality has sparked frustration among inmates and advocates, who argue that access to communication is a key component of rehabilitation.
San Francisco’s Gold Standard for Digital Access
While many states and federal facilities charge inmates for restricted tablet use, San Francisco set a groundbreaking precedent. It became the first jurisdiction in the United States to offer free tablet computers with free content to nearly all inmates in both of its detention facilities.
Key Features of San Francisco’s Program:
- Free Use – No cost for the tablets or the content.
- Wide Access to Educational and Informational Resources – Digital books, learning materials, and rehabilitative programs.
- Positive Impact on Rehabilitation – Encourages education, reduces idleness, and fosters personal development.
This approach demonstrates how technology can serve as a rehabilitative tool rather than merely a controlled entertainment device. By removing financial and functional barriers, San Francisco’s model ensures equitable access to information and digital literacy.
Why Digital Access Matters in Prisons
Providing inmates with secure, structured access to technology offers multiple benefits:
- Educational Advancement – Tablets can host GED programs, vocational training, and college courses.
- Improved Communication with Families – Staying connected to loved ones helps maintain support networks.
- Rehabilitation and Reentry Preparation – Digital literacy is critical for finding employment and navigating society upon release.
- Mental Health Support – Access to music, books, and guided wellness programs can reduce stress and behavioral issues.
By balancing security concerns with the need for digital inclusion, correctional systems can better prepare inmates for reintegration into the modern workforce and society.
When paired with reforms like Clean Slate Laws and Their Impact in 2025, which help remove certain criminal records from public view, technology access can become an even more powerful driver of second chances and societal reintegration.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite progress, several barriers prevent widespread adoption of inmate technology programs:
- High Costs – Many systems charge inmates inflated rates for tablets and content.
- Limited Functionality – Devices are often stripped of key features such as internet browsing or messaging.
- Inequality Between Facilities – Access varies widely depending on state or federal jurisdiction.
- Lack of Transparency – Promises about features, such as messaging, are sometimes not fulfilled.
Advocates argue that without meaningful access to communication and education, these programs risk becoming profit-driven rather than rehabilitation-focused.
Addressing these limitations aligns closely with the principles outlined in Empowering Reentry: Enhancing Safety Through Reintegration, which emphasizes the importance of supportive tools and structured programs for successful reentry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Inclusion for Inmates
San Francisco’s free tablet program sets a benchmark for how correctional facilities can integrate technology for the benefit of both inmates and society. Other states and the federal government have the opportunity to adopt similar models, offering free or low-cost, high-functionality devices that prioritize education, rehabilitation, and communication.
A national policy shift toward equitable digital access could:
- Reduce recidivism rates by preparing inmates for modern job markets
- Improve inmate behavior through constructive engagement
- Strengthen family ties and community reintegration
Conclusion
Technology in prisons should be more than a revenue source—it should be a bridge to rehabilitation and reentry. While Pennsylvania’s ViaPath tablets and the federal Keefe Score 7c initiative represent steps toward digital access, they fall short compared to San Francisco’s transformative free tablet program.
To truly support inmates in developing the skills and connections they need, correctional systems must prioritize affordable, functional, and educational digital tools. By doing so, they can foster a more rehabilitative environment and contribute to long-term public safety.
