Examining students’ perception of surveillance technology and its impact on privacy in educational institutions
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Date
2026-04-13
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Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited
Abstract
Purpose – The ubiquity of digital surveillance technologies is at the forefront of debates on balancing
collective security while ensuring individual privacy. Ethical concerns of individual privacy, freedom and
misuse are at the crux of ongoing global discourse, with the integration of artificial intelligence into
surveillance further increasing the intrusive nature of these technologies. This study examined students’
perception of surveillance technology and its impact on privacy. Questions articulated from the problematic
bordered around the level of awareness, perception on the impact of surveillance technology, attitude towards
surveillance and beliefs in the regulation of surveillance in educational institutions among others.
Design/methodology/approach – This study was premised on the pragmatic paradigm involving the
integration of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 450 respondents using a
structured questionnaire.
Findings – Findings revealed a significant association between students’ awareness of surveillance
technologies and their frequency of observing them on campus (χ² = 47.80, df = 6, p < 0.001; mixed
perceptions of privacy with most respondents (54.9%) feeling their privacy was moderately respected, a
notable minority expressing concern over inadequate protection, and nearly a quarter (24.2%) reporting
behavioural changes due to being watched; and a statistically significant positive relationship between trust in
institutional data handling and confidence in data protection (ρ = 0.144, p < 0.01).The qualitative responses
revealed that students acknowledged the usefulness of surveillance for safety, but insisted on clear boundaries
regarding scope, usage and access. This study concluded that surveillance in education was a double-edged
phenomenon that enhances safety and order but raised several challenges that called for deliberate governance
strategies. It was recommended that educational institutions developed clear communication strategies on the
use of surveillance technologies and accompany such with privacy protection policies.
Originality/value – The findings contribute to academic debates on digital ethics, governance and the
balance between security and privacy in learning environments, while offering actionable recommendations for institutions to design communication strategies and privacy policies that safeguard both safety and
individual rights.
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Citation
Durodolu OO, Shaibu AJ, Babatunde VO, Yusuff SR (2026;), "Examining students’ perception of surveillance technology and its impact on privacy in educational institutions". Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 1477-996X. https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-10-2025-0279