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University lecturers 'using Facebook to spy on students'
Last updated at 11:07am on 17.07.07Staff at Oxford University are using the online networking site Facebook to search for photographic evidence of students breaking university rules.
They say images posted on student profiles show a number have broken rules on post-examination celebrations.
Students who are deemed to have flouted the regulations are then given fines.
But the students' union says the online searches are a "disgraceful" intrusion of privacy and has emailed every common room to advise students on how to prevent dons viewing their photographs.
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Students celebrate with the traditional 'trashing' of flour
The students being targeted are those who have displayed pictures of "trashings", where students spray each other with champagne, flour, or worse, at the end of exams.
Alex Hill, 21, a maths and philosophy student, was sent an email to tell her three of the photos on her site gave evidence she had engaged in "disorderly" conduct.
Alex Hill covered in foam which led to a reprimand from university staff
Miss Hill said: "I don't know how the proctors got access to it. I thought my privacy settings were such that only students could see my pictures.
"They cited three links to pictures on my Facebook profile where I've got shaving foam all over me.
"I'm outraged. It's truly bizarre that they're paying staff to sit and go through Facebook," she told The Times.
Oxford University has been trying to temper post-exam celebrations for several years
In 2004 on-the-spot fines were introduced for trashing after police and local residents complained about the huge clean-up bill.
A spokesman for the university said: "The proctors wish to take the steps available to them to identify and discipline the culprits. Facebook forms part of the evidence that proctors might use."
But Martin McCluskey, president of Oxford Student Union, said: "While we do not condone unruly, violent or disorderly behaviour, we believed that the university's use of private photos from the Facebook site in disciplinary procedures is disgraceful.
"The proctors' actions are underhand and the fines being imposed are completely disproportionate."
How Facebook has been used to check up on people...
The breast-biting photo that led Miss New Jersey Amy Polumbo which led to the review
• A survey of 600 British companies showed one in five had logged on to Facebook and similar websites to vet potential workers.
• Five students were banned from a school trip in Toronto after disparaging remarks about teachers were found on Facebook.
• A US consultantancy rejected an applicant after reading that his interest included "smokin' blunts with the homies".
Reader views (3)
Many years ago I was once a student and preferred to avoid the post-exam 'trashing'. As long as the other students left me alone it didn't bother me. For these recent occurrences my guess is that those who chose not to take part but got caught in the cross-fire, intimidated passers-by and other folk didn't like it so probably complained to the university. The university probably got desperate, wanted to make examples of students who "flouted the regulations" and turned to Facebook to find incriminating evidence. Probably.
Whilst I think it's excessive for any establishment to use Facebook to negatively target individuals, people should be aware that if they use college/work emails to register and join their corresponding network then everyone in that network can see their profile, unless they've edited their settings. Basically don't take it for granted that only friends can see your profile. You never know who's looking at you online.
- Annette, London
This country is now officially known for its poor education record. We do not need more gaffes like these.
- Georgie, London
The schools in England are really going downhill. I though it was just secondary schools but obviously not.
- Paul, Primrose Hill, London
