Foreign government harassment occurs when a foreign government engages in harassment, intimidation or surveillance of people to suppress their expression of contrary views.
Foreign government harassment targeted at universities (including students and staff) can show up in different ways, including:
- Threats, intimidation or harassment of students and staff, either online or in person
- Online disinformation campaigns through social media
- Coercion through threatening family or friends overseas
- Attempts to covertly influence how topics are perceived, including interference with discussion on campus
- Stalking and unwanted physical or electronic surveillance
- Censorship or self-censorship to avoid harassment or being reported to a foreign government office
- Improperly sharing others' private information, also known as doxing.
This is not acceptable at UNSW or in Australia. It is contrary to the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values and may be a violation of Australian Federal Law.
Learn more about Foreign Government Harassment at UNSW.
At UNSW, you are free to:
- Respectfully disagree
- Express your opinion
- Write your beliefs
- Leave any club or organisation freely.
If you are aware of or suspect students being reported to foreign governments in Australia, we encourage you to SpeakUp. Your report will be confidential and you can choose to be anonymous.