At least 12 UK universities secretly paid a private intelligence firm to monitor students and academics, including those expressing support for Palestine, in what campaigners say is a chilling crackdown on political dissent.
The universities involved include King’s College London, University College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Birmingham, the University of Nottingham, the University of Leeds, the University of Sheffield, the University of Bristol, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Exeter, the University of Liverpool and SOAS University of London.
The firm, Horus Security Consultancy, is run by former military intelligence officials and was hired to carry out surveillance-style operations on campuses. Its work included monitoring social media accounts, gathering intelligence on individuals and assessing perceived “threats” linked to student protests.
Students Treated Like Security Threats
The investigation found the company systematically trawled through students’ online activity, effectively building profiles on those involved in activism.
Pro-Palestine protesters were among those specifically targeted, with demonstrations across UK campuses increasingly framed through a security lens rather than as legitimate political expression.
In one case, the firm carried out background checks on a Palestinian guest speaker invited to a university, raising serious concerns about racial profiling and the policing of who is allowed to speak.
Hundreds of Thousands Spent on Surveillance
Universities collectively paid at least £440,000 to the firm since 2022, funnelling public money into monitoring their own students.
Horus presents itself as an intelligence-led consultancy, staffed by individuals with backgrounds in military and security services, further blurring the line between education and state-style surveillance.
Counter-Terror Tactics Used on Peaceful Protest
The firm reportedly conducted “counter-terrorism” style risk assessments on campus activism.
Critics say this represents a dangerous escalation, where peaceful protest is increasingly treated as a security issue.
Civil liberties groups warn that such practices risk criminalising dissent, intimidating students and creating a chilling effect on free speech, particularly for those speaking out on Palestine.
Universities Accused of Siding with Power
The revelations come amid growing evidence that universities have been working closely with corporate and political interests to monitor student activism.
Previous disclosures suggested some institutions offered to track student protests in response to pressure from arms companies concerned about demonstrations.
Campaigners say this exposes a wider pattern of universities prioritising reputational and financial interests over students’ rights.
Growing Backlash Over Surveillance Culture
Trade unions and rights groups have condemned the use of private intelligence firms on campus, warning that universities are drifting towards a culture of surveillance and control.
They argue institutions should be defending free speech and protecting students, not secretly monitoring them.
The revelations are expected to intensify scrutiny on universities and reignite the debate over free speech, protest rights and institutional complicity in suppressing dissent.