When Education Crosses the Line

The “misuse” or “offensive use” of the internet is a growing trend that has forced lawmakers to revise laws and create new ones to protect innocent people from becoming victims to internet crimes. According to an article found on MSNBC.com, students at the University of Oxford are getting a rude awakening from campus officials.

Disciplinary officials at Oxford snoop through students Facebook accounts to look for pictures or documentation of students breaking campus regulations. If officials find something incriminating they send an e-mail fine of $80 to $200 for breaking campus rules. The student union advised students with Facebook accounts to change their privacy setting to prevent staff and faculty from viewing their profiles and photographs. In response to these accusations, Alex Hill, an Oxford student rebutted against the actions of the campus officials. An e-mail stated that her photos proved “disorderly” conduct and linked to photos of Hill with shaving cream on her. She felt that it was a ridiculous reason to receive a fine and felt wrongfully accused.

This incident is difficult to categorize, but the damage that is caused by the use of the internet are apparent. I feel that there could be a possible misuse from the students end, but I feel that the way campus officials are using the internet is offensive. The degree of impact on the students is higher compared to the degree of impact on the University. A fine can be given out for just an implication or what looks to be disorderly conduct. The University is handing out fines from just what they see in a picture. This could hurt the reputation of the student and put them in financial debt because of a photo. I feel that this is an invasion of privacy and if the University feels that there is a misuse in the internet by the student they should contact the users of Facebook.