Safety

How we keep it safe

Texting from prison only works if the people on the other end are safe and in control. These rules are built into the system, not left to chance.

Consent before any text

The first time someone in custody asks to text a number, that number gets one request to opt in, naming who it's from. Nothing else is sent unless the person replies YES. On our opt-in page, you must confirm you are 18 or older, that no court order bars contact, and separately agree to receive texts.

Every text says who sent it

Each relayed text starts with the sender's name and register number, and ends with how to stop.

Stop instantly

• Reply STOP or BLOCK to stop texts from that person. Reply START to resume.
• Reply BLOCKALL to stop texts from everyone through YardTalk.
• The person in custody is told the number chose not to receive texts, and nothing more.

Protection for victims and witnesses

Anyone can block their number from all YardTalk messages in advance, with no reason needed. A blocked number is never contacted, and the person in custody is only told that the number can't be reached. If you feel unsafe, contact the facility or local law enforcement. In an emergency, call 911.

A careful assistant

• It gives general information, not legal advice for a specific case, and never invents legal citations.
• It refuses to help with escape, weapons, contraband, violence, contacting victims or witnesses, hidden or coded messages, gambling, or running a business.
• If someone writes about hurting themselves or others, they get an immediate reply urging them to talk to staff and Psychology Services right away, and the message is flagged for a person to review.
• Every AI reply is labeled as AI.

Honest about monitoring

Prison staff can read and keep every message that passes through TRULINCS. We say so on this site, in the opt-in request, and in our terms.

Payments

Payments are processed by Stripe. YardTalk never sees or stores your card number.

Report a problem

Email support@yardtalk.ai.