An institution wants to have layer/document uploads done only by specific users. The "normal" user shall be restricted from uploading a layer/document.
Can this be achieved in the recent version of geoNode? If yes, how?
yes, by default only registered users can upload files. Geonode administrator can give privilages to only "staff users" to upload files. You can also hide the "upload button" from the web-page for non-staff or non authenticated users, by editing the html files (layer_detail.html and document_detail.html), using
{% if user.is_authenticated %}
. (whatever you want to be seen only by authenticated users)
{% endif %}
(same with user.is_staff)