National Preventive Mechanism The NPM cannot understand why the inmate cell notice boards were not updated until nine months after the change in the law took effect since the change was announced in the Federal Law Gazette in early September 2013. Until they were replaced, the remedies posted were likely to give inmates false information about the law. Outdated inmate cells notice boards ¾¾ The establishment of a complaint register must be vigorously pursued. ¾¾ Information notices must be revised as soon as possible if there is a change in the law. Access to the Internet as an important part of re-socialisation The NPM addressed the question of the inmate access to the Internet in greater depth in the reporting period. If the Federal Ministry of Justice was reluctant last year (see the statements on p. 67 of the NPM Report 2013), it has now come to the conclusion that an expansion of the electronic infrastructure is desirable. Of course, any expansion can only occur within the bounds of the limited financial resources available. Limited resources The NPM agrees with the Federal Ministry of Justice that seclusion is the essence of the penal system and an extensive loss of freedom is part of incarceration. A necessary consequence of incarceration is the restriction of social intercourse with persons outside the correctional institution. Weighing of interests is required It is self-evident that uncontrolled transmission of electronic messages cannot be permitted due to the accompanying risk to the security and order of the correctional institution. The same applies to unrestricted use of the Internet. Limited access It is undisputed that the ability to use information and communication technologies is necessary for reintegration into society. This ability should not be lost during the period of imprisonment. Knowledge of the current state of technology should be acquired and enhanced. Means of reintegration The question of Internet access for inmates is not a problem limited to Austria alone. In Germany, prisoners in eight prisons operate the servers of the Open University in Hagen for purposes of advanced training (at times only under supervision). Different approaches throughout Europe In Belgium project “PrisonCloud” provides inmates with limited but secure access to the Internet on a platform for work/employment and recreational activities. In view of the high financial expense associated with the establishment of inmate-cell-based Internet use in existing prison facilities, 153