In a bizarre turn of events, a money launderer serving time in Portlaoise Prison in Ireland was able to use the prison’s e-learning network to access TikTok and share videos online. This shocking revelation highlights the need for stronger security measures in prisons, and raises questions about the effectiveness of the e-learning system in place. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this bizarre case and what it means for the future of prison technology.
The network in Irish prisons is locked down for a good reason, to prevent inmates from communicating with outsiders or passing information about the prison’s operations to those who could use it to hurt others. Such security measures are in place to protect both inmates and staff, ensuring that all remain safe within the walls of the prison. However, in a recent incident, two inmates, one of whom is a convicted crime-gang money-launderer, managed to breach the restrictions by gaining access to TikTok, a social media sharing website that allows users to post short videos and text.
A source informed the Sunday World that this was a “serious security breach” that should not have been possible. The access the inmates gained to TikTok potentially allowed them to pass information, creating risks for staff, other inmates, and the public. The Prison Service’s Operational Support Group (OSG) discovered the network breach after an inmate mentioned it on an approved telephone call. The incidents date back to early April, and an investigation has begun to determine how the two inmates circumvented the network’s protections.
One possibility is that the inmates accessed TikTok by clicking through an indirect link that was attached to a third-party website. This possibility reinforces the need for caution when clicking on web links, even on approved websites, since it is difficult to anticipate what user behaviour may lead to security breaches. The investigation will examine how this breach occurred to prevent future incidents from happening.
The probe is also focusing on identifying and monitoring the material posted by the two inmates. As of writing, there is no evidence that these inmates posted any content on TikTok, but their actions still pose a significant risk to public safety. The TikTok app is designed to be accessible to anyone with an internet connection, and if inmates can gain access, they could easily share information and connect with individuals without detection.
The Irish Prison Service offers Open University courses to inmates as part of its efforts towards rehabilitation. More than €350,000 has funded 125 prisoners to attend courses in 2018 and 2019, and this access is considered the “jewel in the crown” of the Irish Prison Services’ educational offerings. However, connectivity on these networks is heavily restricted to prevent prisoners from accessing social media, pornography, or other unapproved sites. The Irish Prison Service understands the importance of online learning in reducing recidivism rates, but the need for security is equally crucial to maintaining a safe prison environment.
The Irish Prison Service has yet to release further information, and ongoing investigations prevent them from commenting publicly on the incident. The authorities must be vigilant in their efforts to identify and prevent any future breaches while ensuring that inmates have access to the necessary resources to aid in their rehabilitation. Nevertheless, balancing rehabilitation and online security in prisons is a delicate matter that requires careful navigation from the relevant authorities to keep all parties safe.
