### **New Research Highlights the Impact of Limited Digital Access on Individuals with Criminal Records**

Swansea University has released groundbreaking research indicating that a lack of digital access poses significant challenges for individuals with criminal records, inhibiting their ability to rebuild their lives effectively and contribute positively to society. This study sheds light on the barriers that are not only preventing these individuals from reintegration but also contributing to the cycle of reoffending.

### **Study Reveals Multi-Layered Digital Barriers in the Criminal legal System**

The in-depth study conducted by Swansea University sheds light on the substantial digital exclusion affecting individuals engaged with the criminal legal system (CLS) in Wales, UK. Published in the esteemed journal *Health & Justice*, the research included a diverse sample of 41 participants, encompassing those who have been recently released from prison and those currently serving or who have served community orders. The findings starkly illustrate that while a significant 70% of the participants possessed smartphones, a multitude were still grappling with issues such as lack of broadband access, inadequate data for connectivity, and insufficient digital literacy skills necessary to utilize technology effectively.

A considerable portion of those surveyed—over 40%—reported the absence of Wi-Fi at their residences, while approximately one-third indicated they could not afford the data required to stay connected. Even more concerning was the low ownership of laptops or tablets, with merely 13 participants confirming access to these devices. Although public libraries and community hubs offered limited connectivity options, participants articulated how restricted opening hours and associated travel costs further compounded their challenges.

### **Limited Use of Digital Tools Highlights Gaps in Opportunities**

The study also revealed a concerning trend regarding the utilization of digital technology. Although available, such technology was predominantly utilized for personal or social interactions—like calling friends or scrolling through social media—rather than for critical activities including healthcare access, educational pursuits, or job searches. Less than half of the participants expressed confidence in using the internet, and many voiced apprehensions regarding privacy breaches, surveillance issues, and confusion surrounding fundamental functions such as app installation.

Interestingly, despite the prevalence of smartphones compared to laptops or tablets, participants generally expressed comfort with only a narrow range of applications and features. For instance, 68% exhibited a preference for making phone calls rather than sending text messages, while 49% found technical jargon confusing and inaccessible.

### **Digital Competency: A Vital Element in the Journey Toward Desistance**

Building upon Reisdorf and Rikard’s digital rehabilitation model, this research reinforces the idea that access to digital tools is crucial for fostering desistance—the process of distancing oneself from criminal behaviors. The absence of access and training reinforces the exclusion of these individuals from essential societal structures, including job markets, social services, and healthcare systems.

The report elaborates on the intricate ways digital exclusion intertwines with other societal disadvantages, such as impoverishment, unstable living conditions, and inadequate education. It emphasizes that possessing essential digital skills has become indispensable for navigating numerous tasks that have migrated online, including applying for benefits, securing housing, or managing banking operations.

### **Support Must Extend Beyond Mere Hardware Access**

Although having the right devices is fundamentally important, the study underscores that enhancing digital confidence and literacy is equally crucial. Over 75% of participants expressed a desire for training opportunities, with many suggesting that informal learning settings would suit their needs better than traditional classroom environments. Some participants even requested personalized, one-on-one assistance to help them navigate tasks such as device setup or composing emails.

Given these insights, the research team recommends that probation and rehabilitation policies incorporate strategies aimed at ensuring digital inclusion. This involves not only improving access to digital devices and internet infrastructure but also establishing digital competency as an essential element of any reentry and desistance support services.

### **A Call for Digital Inclusion in Criminal Justice Reform and the Role of AI legalese decoder**

Gemma Morgan, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Sociology, and Social Policy at Swansea University, advocates for these changes, stating, “Digital technology is no longer a luxury—it is essential for navigating modern life. Our findings show that providing access to digital tools and enhancing digital skills must be prioritised in desistance support to prevent people in the criminal justice system from being left behind.”

In addressing these systemic issues, AI legalese decoder emerges as a crucial tool in this context. By simplifying complex legal language and making legal documents more accessible, it can assist individuals navigating the criminal justice system in understanding their rights and responsibilities. Empowered with this understanding, individuals with criminal records can enhance their digital literacy, making informed decisions that facilitate their reintegration into society and support their journey toward desistance. Through such tools, we can work towards a more inclusive system that recognizes the essential role of technology in modern life.