FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE USP MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1996 (202) 616-2765 TDD (202) 514-1888 USPC APPROVES NEW PAROLE CONDITIONS FOR RESTRICTING EX-INMATES' COMPUTER USE WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The United State Parole Commission, responding to increased criminal use of the Internet, has approved the discretionary use of special conditions of parole that would impose tight restrictions on the use of computers by certain high-risk parolees, the Department of Justice announced today. Parolees already face numerous restrictions on their travel, association and other activities. The Commission acted at its December 1996 meeting after noting the surge of "how-to" information available on the Internet and other computer on line services relating to such offenses as child molestation, hate crimes and the illegal use of explosives. "Unrestricted access to the Internet and other computer on line services can provide sophisticated offenders with new opportunities for crime and criminal associations," said Edward F. Reilly Jr., Commission Chairman. "We cannot ignore the possibility that such offenders may be tempted to use computer services to repeat their crimes.." As an example of the new restrictions, the parolee may be required to get prior written approval from the Commission to use information services such as an Internet service provider, bulletin board system or any other public or private computer network. Other conditions approved for use would prohibit the parolee from possessing or using any data encryption technique or program; require the parolee to agree to unannounced examinations of his computer by his probation officer; permit the installation of equipment, at the parolee's expense, to monitor computer use; and require the maintenance of a daily log of computer use. Any special condition on computer use imposed for a parolee would be in addition to the standard conditions now in place that limit the parolee's travel, association and other activities. If a restriction on computer use is warranted, the type of special condition selected would depend on the parolee's individual circumstances, recognizing that computers are used for numerous legitimate purposes. ##### 96-592