The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) has banned the use of TikTok, SnackVideo and other social media applications within its campus premises following complaints about videos of female students being recorded and shared online without their permission. The university’s Directorate of Student Affairs issued a notification announcing the restrictions, stating that the decision aims to protect students’ privacy and dignity. The move addresses concerns over the unauthorised recording and circulation of videos on digital platforms, where content can be shared widely without the consent of the individuals appearing in it.
According to the notification, the university received complaints about individuals recording female students without permission and subsequently uploading the videos to social media platforms. The administration has responded by restricting the use of TikTok, SnackVideo and other social media applications on campus. The decision highlights the challenges educational institutions face in managing the use of digital platforms while protecting students from the misuse of personal images and videos. Social media applications allow users to create and distribute content quickly, but recording people without consent can raise serious privacy concerns, particularly in educational environments.
The university has also outlined disciplinary consequences for violations of the restrictions. Cases involving the creation or sharing of inappropriate content through these applications will be referred to the university’s disciplinary committee for review. Individuals found violating the rules may face disciplinary action under university regulations. The notification places responsibility on students and other individuals on campus to comply with the restrictions and avoid activities that compromise the privacy of others. Further details about the implementation of the ban, including its monitoring mechanism and the precise scope of the restrictions, were not specified in the available announcement.
The decision brings digital privacy and responsible social media use into focus within Pakistan’s higher education sector. Universities increasingly have to address concerns involving online content, unauthorised recordings and the circulation of personal information through social platforms. While IUB’s measure is intended to protect female students, its practical impact will depend on how the restrictions are implemented and enforced across campus. The development also highlights the importance of consent, responsible content creation and awareness of the potential consequences of sharing videos of others without permission.
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