10 Oct 2014

Otago Facebook page 'concerning'

5:55 am on 10 October 2014

The vice-chancellor of Otago University says the sexual exploitation of people in social media is a world-wide epidemic, and not confined to her university.

A Facebook page supported by Otago students that hosted explicit photos of women without their consent has been taken down, but it continues to cause outrage.

Vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne said such behaviour would not be tolerated.

She said the case was a clear example of the objectification of women, and it was concerning it was done with a cavalier attitude by men attending her university.

Such abuse in social media is a world-wide occurrence that cannot be tolerated and those responsible could face a suspension, fee or permanent expulsion, she said.

One student is facing disciplinary action and the police said they would take action if any laws were broken.

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