World3 min(s) read
Published 19:18 15 Feb 2024 GMT
A university is facing backlash after a list detailing a list of female students who are virgins was leaked online.
A scandal has engulfed the Al-Farabi National University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, after personal medical information concerning hundreds of women was published on the messaging service, WhatsApp, as reported by Metro.
While it remains unclear why doctors connected to the institute gathered information on the women, the confidential data included their names, ages (which are between 17 to 21), phone numbers, and even tax codes.
Within minutes of going live, the information was publicized in multiple social media groups.
According to the Daily Mail, it has been claimed that the female students underwent intimate gynecological examinations at the university’s medical center.
It has been reported by the outlet that officials were meant to be given a list of students who had not undergone fluorography tests. However, a mistake occurred so instead, a list about the virginity status and other personal data were sent out.
Sayasat Nurbek, Kazakhstan’s minister of science and higher education, spoke about the bizarre incident, criticizing: "The transfer of personal data, especially of a medical nature, is a violation."
"I have taken control of this issue, because there is a direct violation here," the 42-year-old continued. "Those responsible will face punishment under our current legislation."
While the date has been deleted from online sites, some male individuals are asking "Who has the list?" on Almaty Telegram chats, Metro reported.
Outraged female students have also complained about the humiliating incident and the repercussions they are suffering from their personal information being shared without their consent.
Per the outlet, one woman blasted: "Our personal data is hanging on every lamp post," and another fired: "In Kazakhstan, there is no concept of personal space and privacy at all."
AKI Press has claimed that Al-Farabi National University disclosed that the prosecutor's office will take up the case to ensure the safeguarding of the female students' rights.
"An appeal was sent to the Almaty city prosecutor's office with a request to take action on this fact on February 14. The university is considering terminating the contract with Smart Health University City LLP," the statement read, according to the outlet.
The Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation of the Kazakh National University Zhamilya Aitzhanova also promised an apology, sharing: "There will definitely be an administrative penalty against the specialist of the dean's office of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics S.Zh., measures will be taken."
