New app allows messaging Russian prisoners: about 3 rubles per text after censor approval
A messaging app called "Tochka Kontakta" (Point of Contact) has been advertised for communicating with prisoners in Russia. It allows exchange of texts, letters, voice and video messages, and other files, with fees starting at just over 3 rubles for a 200-character message. The app also enables filing petitions and tracking their status, but all correspondence is subject to censorship that may take up to three business days.
A new mobile application called "Tochka Kontakta" (Point of Contact) aims to facilitate communication between people outside and prisoners in Russia. The app was advertised on the website of the ZT service, and the human rights group First Department flagged the ad, according to a report. The app allows users to send short text messages, letters, voice and video messages, photos, and other files to inmates. Additionally, it enables the submission of petitions and appeals, along with tracking their status.
Pricing is notably low: a message of up to 200 characters costs just over three rubles, while a letter of up to 2,500 characters is priced at 35 rubles. First Department noted that this is half the cost of sending a letter via ZT or the Federal Penitentiary Service's own mail system, FSIN-pismo. However, all correspondence is subject to censorship, with reviews taking up to three business days.
Users can also purchase entertainment subscriptions for prisoners, covering categories such as sports, music, humor, and news, each at 99 rubles. The site does not specify the duration of these subscriptions.
The app is currently available for Android devices as an APK download from its official website, with plans to launch on the App Store, Google Play, and RuStore soon. According to the website, the app is already operational in two penal colonies in the Leningrad region and one in the Pskov region. However, the instructions fail to explain how a prisoner can register for the service.
