Several universities in Manchester are called upon for the sharing of student’s private data to the government.
Sharing of student’s private data
In a recent intervention, investigative writer Dr. Hilary Aked discovered a pre-approved agreement between the government and some universities in Manchester. The deal revolves around the sharing of student’s private data to the government, as part of their anti-terrorism campaign.
The anti-terrorism branch of the UK Police is mentioned to be the recipient of the sharing of student’s private data from Manchester universities. The agreement was also approved and supervised by the Department of Education (DfE).
A list of involved universities are as follows, according to Aked:
- Manchester College
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Chester
- University of Manchester
- University of Salford
The reason behind the sharing of student’s private data is related to the anti-terrorism campaign of the government. In 2017, it can be recalled that a bombing at the Manchester Arena by a young suicide bomber, caused the death of 23 individuals with many wounded.
How data sharing affects students
The UK Prevent strategy is geared to eliminate anti-terrorism acts in UK soil. It has four main functions: Prevent, Pursue, Protect, and Prepare. The whole idea of data sharing by Manchester Universities is to filter out students that might have an affiliation without outside entities that pose terrorism threats to the country.
However, students referred to by Prevent for scrutiny might cause a negative lasting effect on the morale of a student. The agency has the power to access the student’s data at their own disposal.
Prevent’s investigation should remain discreet and away from the student’s knowledge. The process unknowingly poses a racist nature by pinpointing who will receive a Prevent referral.
Although universities deny that Prevent referrals are part of the basis of a student’s admission to a university, nobody can disprove their claim otherwise. In addition, receiving a Prevent referral might instill fear in a student that he will be being all through his college life.
