The University of Cambridge’s Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy released a report detailing how femtech apps are harvesting sensitive personal data, including health and political information, without proper user consent. The study warns that such practices can lead to digital surveillance, discrimination, and breaches of privacy, calling for urgent regulatory oversight to protect marginalized users and promote ethical data management.

The University of Cambridge lost its attempt to secure a five-year injunction aimed at banning Palestinian solidarity protests on campus. The legal defeat was a response to efforts by university leadership to restrict protests, which were seen as an erosion of civil liberties.

On 27 February 2025, the High Court of Justice rejected the University of Cambridge's request for a long-term injunction intended to ban Palestine-related protests on campus. The legal action, in concert with groups including the European Legal Support Center, University and College Union, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and Liberty, was widely condemned as an attempt to suppress political expression and limit free speech. The decision was hailed by student activists and civil liberties groups as a victory against authoritarian suppression.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge, has implemented extensive anti-slavery and human trafficking measures for the financial year starting 1 August 2023. The policy includes rigorous supply chain audits, comprehensive third-party due diligence, mandatory employee training, and strict adherence to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, ensuring ethical practices throughout its global operations and supply chains.

Under pressure from FairSquare and Human Rights Watch, the University of Cambridge decided not to pursue a strategic partnership with the UAE. This decision was largely motivated by concerns over the UAE government's record on human rights, including its use of Pegasus spyware and systemic suppression of critics. The University indicated that future cooperation would require robust guarantees on academic freedom and protection of civil rights.

Documents reveal that the University of Cambridge is negotiating a 10-year, £400 million collaboration with multiple UAE partners. The project has raised alarm among critics, including the UCU, due to the UAE's poor human rights record, concerns over academic freedom, and potential mission drift, as well as environmental and ethical risks.

The University of Cambridge has reinforced its commitment to a zero tolerance approach towards modern slavery by implementing a policy that mandates written confirmation of compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 from all suppliers and contractors. This initiative is aimed at ensuring integrity across its supply chains and business relationships.