A scandal has erupted at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) over the distribution of students' personal and medical data. The university has confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched into the matter. The situation has drawn attention due to the sensitive nature of the information and the potential breach of privacy rights.
HOW THE DATA WAS DISTRIBUTED
According to ORDA, a supervisor from one of KazNU's faculties reported the regular distribution of so-called "monitoring reports" — internal summaries compiled by the Situational Management Centre.
According to a complaint, the documents are sent to supervisor chat groups and then forwarded to students without any editing.
"The materials contain personal data of students and staff, including medical information — gynaecological diagnoses, details of pregnancies, and other sensitive data. All of this is listed with full names," the supervisor stated.
The reason for this practice, it is claimed, is that supervisory work is unpaid, so the documents are not edited before being sent. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed.
WHAT DATA WAS INCLUDED IN THE MAILINGS
Specifically, a document dated 19 January includes a female student's name and information about her condition — "brought in smelling of alcohol". In another instance, an ambulance call-out was recorded with a diagnosis of "uterine bleeding", including the student's year, faculty, and name.
A summary from 27 January lists dozens of students with their full names and descriptions of violations (smoking, noise), as well as medical cases including a miscarriage, heart failure, and a intestinal infection.
THE UNIVERSITY'S RESPONSE
The press service of KazNU stated that the protection of personal data is regulated by law and is a priority.
Furthermore, the university confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched regarding the complaint.
CONTEXT
The situation raises questions about compliance with personal data protection regulations in educational institutions.
Previously, KazNU has been at the centre of public controversy over issues involving personal data. In 2024, so-called "virginity lists" were circulated online. Following that incident, several university staff members were dismissed, and administrative penalties were applied.