I can see how that could affect you. Know that I'm not a spammer, and I just got wind of this project. My idea on the penitentiary just came to me too, yesterday, and I too think it is a good idea. Yes, the chat feature would have to be disabled, and any other things IT and internet related. But like has been mentioned, if those that want to contribute to the betterment of humankind, let them have at it.
My first thought is, just because something is hard to implement, does not mean it's not a worthwhile goal. How many successful inventions were successful on the first prototype.
How does this project contribute to rehabilitation? If they know the positive aspects of what they are doing, and are contributing to that voluntarily, does that not train in their mindset that they are a positive influence on society, instead of a negative one?
Any human being, in jail or not, appreciates recognition by their contribution. There was a scientific paper recognizing the ones who contributed (Mimi, etc.). Why shouldn't prisoner get that recognition? This sure would contribute to an esteemed feeling for themselves, possibly changing their mindset on positive rewards, and rehabilitate their attitude about things. If no recognition is given, that'll just reinforce negatively.
Stand along program perhaps? No connection to the internet or chat, etc.
Possibly a reward program. But why limit it to that. They get to exercise and weight train. Have it as a normal option, where they can "just walk in"/opt-in to do it, thus not giving the negative connotation that "this is not a reward" type feeling.
Any idea with potential to assist the whole of humankind, using the power of a negative collective, is worth pursuing. I don't understand why this topic is changed from "rejected", to "worth looking at". So I invite all to reread my first sentence.