Can Sex Offenders Use the Internet in Texas?

Can sex offenders use the internet in Texas? The answer depends on several factors. In many cases, it starts with the type of sex crime. It may also depend on the person’s current supervision status or the risk level assigned after conviction. Restrictions may be broad or highly specific, and even basic online access can come with strict conditions.

Who Imposes Internet Restrictions for Texas Sex Offenders?

Internet access rules may be set by a judge. In other cases, they are decided by a probation officer or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The restrictions depend on the person’s supervision status, whether they are on probation or parole. 

Common Internet Restrictions for Sex Offenders in Texas

Social Media Bans

Can sex offenders have social media? If the offense involved social media in any way, the court may ban access altogether. This can apply to platforms like Facebook or Instagram. In some cases, limited or monitored access may be allowed instead.

Restricted Website Access

Can registered sex offenders have access to the internet? Courts may block access to specific types of sites, such as adult content or chat rooms. Peer-to-peer file sharing platforms may also be included. These limits are often enforced with monitoring software or court-approved tech tools.

Communication Limitations

Online contact with minors is typically not allowed. This rule applies even if the minor is a family member or someone the person already knows. Messaging apps may be restricted entirely. In other cases, they may only be used under strict monitoring conditions.

When Are Internet Restrictions Most Likely?

Internet-Based Sex Crimes

Sex offender internet restrictions in Texas are most common when the crime involved online activity. That includes offenses tied to social media or file sharing. It may also include explicit messaging or attempts to contact someone online. In these cases, the court often imposes strict limits to prevent the same kind of behavior from happening again.

Use of the Internet During the Crime

If the internet was used as a tool to commit the offense, even indirectly, restrictions are more likely. That might involve using dating apps or chat rooms. It could also include cases where social media was used to contact a victim or hide activity.

Offenses Involving Minors

When the offense involves a minor, online restrictions are nearly always included as part of supervision. These may block access to social media or messaging platforms entirely.

Can a Sex Offender Use Social Media in Texas?

Many sex offenders cannot use social media while on probation or parole. In Packingham v. North Carolina (2017), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that blanket, lifetime bans on social media violate First Amendment rights, unless the restriction is clearly justified. However, private companies can still delete or suspend accounts based on their own policies.

Are Internet Restrictions Permanent?

In most cases, internet restrictions only apply during probation. For others, they may extend through parole or a specific period of supervision. Some people can ask the court for limited access. That is more likely when the internet is needed for work or in cases of false accusations. It may also apply in cases involving school or communication with immediate family.

What Happens If a Sex Offender Breaks Internet Rules?

Violating internet restrictions is treated seriously and may lead to arrest or time in custody. This is especially true if the person contacts a minor or tries to access banned websites or apps. In some cases, new criminal charges may follow, even if the original offense happened years earlier.

Talk to a Texas Sex Crime Lawyer About Your Rights

Internet restrictions are sometimes imposed after a conviction, but they are not always meant to last forever. If you have questions about what applies in your case or other rules for sex offenders in Texas, The Law Offices of David A. Breston can walk you through what options might be available. 

If your current limits no longer make sense, you can contact us to talk with a Texas sex crime lawyer about your rights and next steps.