FAQ about digital monitoring

We have been instructed to use the webcam, microphone and/or chat function. Is the University allowed to make these kinds of demands?

The University is responsible for offering students a legally secure digital examination within the framework of what is written in the syllabus.

In order to conduct examinations digitally in a legally secure way, teaching staff members may need to look at different digital solutions, including different forms of monitoring. The option chosen is always weighed against any potential invasion of privacy. The examiner is also responsible for carefully considering their decision on what forms of supervision are needed to ensure a fair examination.

As a student, you have the right to receive clear information about how your upcoming examination will be conducted in a legally secure manner and what forms of supervision will be applied.

Is the University allowed to monitor me as a student during a particular exam component?

Yes, monitoring via Zoom may take place if your lecturer can justify that it is necessary to ensure the fairness of the examination. This is under the proviso that you have received information about this in good time before your examination.

Is the lecturer allowed to record me during the examination?

As a general rule, an examination is not to be recorded for monitoring purposes. In individual cases, the examiner may decide, after consultation with the University’s data protection officer, that this is necessary to ensure a legally secure examination. In these very rare cases, there must be documentation of the decision.

However, a recording of an examination may be made if the recording itself is part of the examination. Examples of these are oral presentations or musical performances.

Is the University allowed to use biometric data to identify a person?

Processing of biometric data to uniquely identify students during remote examinations is not permitted at Lund University.

What can I do as a student to protect my privacy during a digital examination?

Before sitting a monitored digital exam, follow the instructions given to you. Try also to sit in as neutral an environment at home as possible. If you live with others, inform them so that they do not accidentally appear in front of the camera.

What should I do if I need to handle sensitive personal data/classified information during an online exam?

Sensitive personal data is not to be shared or entered into systems that are not designed to handle this type of information. Our most common systems used for examinations are not allowed to handle sensitive personal data. If you believe that such a need exists, contact your examiner to discuss how to handle it securely.

Is it acceptable to be asked to identify myself by showing my ID on camera?

Yes, if the examination requires you to identify yourself. However, this should be done in such a way that other participants in the meeting are not able to see your personal identity number or other unique information, for example by entering a breakout room in Zoom or by holding up your ID with your finger placed over the last four digits. It should be mentioned that technical devices enabling facial recognition may not be used for identification without a specific legal basis.