Melbourne (Agencies): The University of Melbourne in Australia is being investigated for violating privacy laws by using surveillance to identify students participating in a sit-in protest against the conflict in Gaza, local media reported on Monday.
Twenty-one pro-Palestine student protesters at the University were previously served with “general misconduct” notices, which included CCTV footage and detailed records of their WiFi usage, as evidence of alleged misconduct, Anadolu Agency reports.
The Australian Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner has confirmed it had launched an investigation and indicated that a compliance notice may be issued in case of a significant breach, according to the Australian daily, The Age.
A compliance notice mandates an organisation to address any breaches within a set time-frame to adhere to the Privacy and Data Protection Act in this instance.
As of 8.00 a.m. on Monday, there has been no response from the University of Melbourne.
Earlier, the University in Australia faced backlash for serving “general misconduct” notices to pro-Palestinian students, with several organisations voicing support for students.
Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since a 7 October, 2023 attack by Hamas.
Nearly 38,200 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and 88,000 others injured, according to local health authorities.
Nine months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.
Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since a 7 October, 2023 attack by Hamas.