Students at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) have been warned against taking or sharing images of fellow students without their consent.
The university says the practice of photographing, recording or posting such content without permission could attract disciplinary action and, in some cases, legal consequences under Malawian law.
In a student notice the university reminded students that they have a responsibility to respect the privacy and dignity of their fellow students, particularly when using social media.
LUANAR cited Section 21(1) of the Constitution of Malawi, which provides for the right to personal privacy, and Section 19(1), which states that the dignity of all persons shall be inviolable.
The university also referred to Section 14(1) of the Data Protection Act, 2024, which provides for obtaining consent from a data subject before processing their personal data, subject to other lawful grounds provided under the Act.
According to the notice, the university’s Students Rules and Regulations also prohibit conduct involving the misuse of social media and harassment of others.
LUANAR specifically cited Section 24.7 of its regulations, which addresses defamation of staff or fellow students through false publications as well as misuse of social media in ways that subject others to character assassination, intimidation or harassment.
The university warned that students who take, share or post images or videos of fellow students without consent especially where the material is used to embarrass, intimidate, harass, threaten, abuse or cause reputational harm may face disciplinary action.
Such conduct could also attract consequences under Malawian law, according to the notice.
LUANAR has consequently urged students to think carefully before posting content involving others and to seek consent before taking or sharing their photographs or videos.
“Think before you click. Ask before you post. Respect your fellow students,” the university said.
