Dear University of Sunderland,

In December, the Daily Express found that “UK universities admitted to “monitoring” or “listening to” their student’s social media accounts”. Please see here: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/153557...

In light of this, I would like to request the following information:

(1) Please indicate whether the university is currently monitoring, or has previously monitored, students and staff’s social media posts/accounts.

(2) If the university is currently monitoring, or has previously monitored, students and staff’s social media posts/accounts, could you please provide reasons as to why this is the case. Please also provide copies of policies or guidelines in relation to the monitoring of students and staff’ social media posts.

(3) If the university is currently monitoring, or has previously monitored, students and staff’s social media posts/accounts, could you please indicate whether this was in regards to (i) environmental protests (ii) rent strikes (iii) other protests or strike action.

(4) If the university is currently monitoring, or has previously monitored, students and staff’s social media posts/accounts, could you please state whether any specific software is used.

(5) If the university is currently monitoring, or has previously monitored, students and staff’s social media posts/accounts, could you please indicate whether this is carried out internally or that this function is outsourced. If it is outsourced, please provide details.

I would like to receive this information in an electronic format. If you feel that a substantive response to this request is not possible within a reasonable time frame, I would be grateful if you could contact me and provide assistance as to how I can refine the request. If you need any clarification, please contact me. I look forward to receiving a response in 20 working days. Many thanks.

Yours faithfully,

Jenna Corderoy