Norway: Inmates watch pornographic movies by hacking prison TV system

The inside of a cell is seen at the Halden prison in the far southeast of Norway in this picture taken in 2010, released on July 27, 2011. An inmate at Halden allegedly hacked the prison's TV system to watch and share pornographic movies with other inmates. Reuters

An inmate at Norway's Halden prison reportedly hacked the TV system to watch porn. "We reacted when we noticed unusually high data traffic and that inmates were having more than the normal trouble with their TVs," said Jan Strømnes from the Halden prison, reported The Local.

We reacted when we noticed unusually high data traffic and that inmates were having more than the normal trouble with their TVs. In addition, we found a handwritten note with a log-in on an inmate during a search.

- Jan Strømnes, Halden prison

"In addition, we found a handwritten note with a log-in on an inmate during a search." The hack allowed inmates to exchange messages via the TV handsets and share porn videos.

"We have gone through the TV system with these security concerns in mind and built it up again. Today, inmates only have regular TV," said Strømnes.

Earlier reports emerged of Norwegian prisons restricting inmates' access to porn if it threatens 'peace and security'. While prisoners are believed to have access to porn that doesn't involve children and animals, the Norwegian Directorate for Correctional Services ruled the denial if access to the porn raises "high" risk to the prison security.

Norwegian prisons are known world over for their exceptional facilities, including flat screen TVs, and laid back rules for prisoners.

At Halden, a high-security Norwegian prison, approximately £7m was spent on paintings, photography and light installations to ease the psychological burdens of imprisonment, according to the Time Magazine.