EAGLE SCOUT | ISSUE NO. 22-15

NEWS: Personal data stolen from top university’s student info system

1 Aug 2022

AUSTRALIA – Personal data of former and current students of the University of Western Australia were stolen from the University’s student information system. The compromised data included names, residential addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, course details, photos, and emergency contact details. The University assured that no credit card details, tax file numbers, medical records, passports, or bank information were stored in the system. READ MORE

NEWS: Student-monitoring software still used by schools

3 Aug 2022

UNITED STATES – A recently published report revealed that several schools still use student-monitoring software even if students are now back in school. The program raised significant privacy concerns as it allows teachers to view and control students’ screens, use AI to scan text from student emails and cloud-based documents. It also sends alerts about potential violent threats or mental health harm to educators and local law enforcement. READ MORE

NEWS: School district ensures student privacy as it launches new bus tracking system

10 Aug 2022

UNITED STATES – A new bus tracking system that makes use of GPS technology through an app will be used by a school district to better communicate bus times with parents. Students will be asked to scan a card every time they get on and off the bus to allow their parents to locate the bus. The school district assures parents that the company providing the system will not track the students, thereby respecting the student’s privacy. READ MORE

NEWS: University’s access to professor’s personal IG posts questioned

10 Aug 2022

INDIA – A university’s decision to let a professor resign for posting a photo on Instagram where she is seen wearing a bikini has sparked a privacy debate online. Netizens have questioned the University’s right to judge someone’s professional capability based on that person’s personal life. The professor involved is also unaware how the University accessed her photo when it should have been accessible only to her close friends. READ MORE

NEWS: LGUs implementing NCAP must conform with the DPA 

15 Aug 2022

PHILIPPINES– Albay Rep. Joey Salceda reminded LGUs that the implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) must abide by the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and other related guidelines as it makes use of CCTVs. He emphasized the importance of following applicable NPC guidelines, especially since CCTVs are operated by private companies and such systems may be used for surveillance or monitoring. READ MORE