Learn how to recognise foreign government harassment 

At UNSW, we support students and staff to SpeakUp.

UNSW is committed to freedom of expression and academic freedom. We support the right of students and staff to work in a safe place where they can respectfully disagree and express opinions.

Foreign government harassment occurs in any situation where a foreign government either directly or via another person engages in or endorses the harassment, intimidation or surveillance of students or staff. It can include attempts to influence student and staff actions, course content and research direction.

Both students and staff are potential targets for foreign government harassment.  

What does foreign government harassment look like?

At universities, foreign government harassment may include:  

• threats, intimidation or harassment of students or staff, either online or in person
• inappropriate identification of, or sharing of, student or staff details (‘doxing’), including reporting, or threatening to report on, fellow staff or students to foreign government agencies
• online disinformation campaigns through social media
• stalking and unwanted physical or electronic surveillance
• censorship or self-censorship to avoid harassment or being reported to a foreign actor
• coercion through threatening family or friends overseas
• attempts to covertly influence how topics are perceived, including interference with discussion on campus.

These actions are contrary to the UNSW Code of Conduct and Values.

What to do if you experience foreign government harassment

If you witness or experience foreign government harassment, please SpeakUp and make a confidential report. You can choose to be anonymous.  

If you are unsure whether something should be reported or want to talk to someone in more detail, contact fgh@unsw.edu.au.