Student Privacy Activism: Protesting Radical Digital Transformation in EdTech

Abstract Student-organized activism and obfuscation respond to intrusive surveillance in digital assessment within higher education. This article explores privacy surveillance disconnects and the emergence of protests against antinormative practices. Employing qualitative and quantitative methods, including content analysis of subreddits focused on higher education, student privacy, and specific university campus communities, the study considers multiple stakeholders’ perspectives. The findings illustrate the creative avenues students have adopted to counter online assessment tools. Emphasizing the significance of privacy and autonomy in higher education, this work sheds light on the challenges faced by students and provides insights into their strategies for addressing privacy concerns.