Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how GSS Pathway collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information when you use our website and services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
a) Personal Information
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number (where required)
- Account login credentials (passwords are securely encrypted)
b) Learning & Usage Data
- Courses enrolled in
- Course progress and completion status
- Assessment attempts and results
- Certificates issued
c) Payment Information
- Payment status and transaction references
- Payment method used (e.g. mobile money, card)
Important: We do not collect or store full card numbers, CVV codes, or mobile money PINs.
d) Technical Information
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Cookies and session data
2. Why We Collect This Information
We collect personal data for the following purposes:
- To create and manage user accounts
- To provide access to courses and learning materials
- To track learning progress and issue certificates
- To process payments and confirm enrolments
- To communicate important updates and notifications
- To improve platform performance, security, and user experience
- To meet legal and regulatory obligations
We only collect data that is necessary to provide our services.
3. Where and How Data Is Stored
Your data is stored securely using cloud-based infrastructure, which may include:
- Secure cloud databases (e.g. Supabase or equivalent services)
- Encrypted storage and access controls
- Secure servers located in reputable international data centres
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect data against:
- unauthorised access
- loss
- misuse
- alteration
Passwords are encrypted and never stored in plain text.
4. Third-Party Processors
We rely on trusted third-party service providers to operate the platform efficiently. These providers only process data on our instructions. Examples of third-party processors include:
- Payment processors (e.g. Flutterwave, TNM Mpamba, Airtel Money) – for handling payments
- Cloud hosting and database services – for storing platform data
- Email and notification services – for account and course communications
- Analytics tools – for understanding platform usage (non-personal insights)
These third parties are required to maintain appropriate data protection and security standards.
5. Cookies & Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- maintain secure user sessions
- remember preferences
- improve platform performance
You may disable cookies in your browser, but some features may not work correctly.
6. User Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate or outdated information
- Request deletion of your account and personal data (subject to legal or certification record requirements)
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to:
- provide educational services
- maintain certification records
- meet legal and audit obligations
When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our platform is intended for learners aged 18 and above, unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific programme. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without appropriate consent.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
10. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact:
GSS Pathway
Email: gsspathway@gmail.com
Country of operation: Malawi
Terms of Service
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of GSS Pathway. By accessing or using this Platform, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, you should not use the Platform.
1. Nature of the Service (Transparency Requirement)
GSS Pathway is an online education and skills development platform that provides:
- Free educational course content;
- Paid assessments and certificates;
- Online learning tools and learner support services.
We provide educational services only. Completion of a course or receipt of a certificate:
- does not guarantee employment, promotion, or income; and
- does not constitute professional licensing unless explicitly stated.
2. Eligibility & Fair Access
Users must be 18 years or older, unless a specific course allows younger learners with consent. All users are entitled to fair, non-discriminatory access to services, subject to compliance with these Terms.
3. Account Registration & User Responsibility
a) Accurate Information
Users must provide accurate and truthful information when registering.
b) Account Security
Users are responsible for safeguarding their login details. Any unauthorised access must be reported promptly. We will take reasonable steps to protect user accounts but are not responsible for misuse caused by user negligence.
4. Course Content, Assessments & Certificates
a) Course Access
Some courses are provided free of charge. Assessments, certificates, diplomas, or premium features may require payment. All pricing is clearly displayed before payment, in line with consumer transparency expectations.
b) Assessments
Assessments must be completed honestly. Misrepresentation or cheating may result in disqualification, with reasons provided.
c) Certificates
Certificates:
- confirm completion of learning and assessment requirements;
- are issued digitally unless otherwise stated;
- may be verified for authenticity.
5. AI Tutor & Content Development
The Platform may incorporate artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools to support learning experiences, including but not limited to AI-generated explanations, feedback, and guidance (“AI Tutor”).
1. Use of AI Tutor
The AI Tutor is provided solely as an educational support tool. While it is designed to assist users in understanding course material, it does not constitute professional, academic, or certified advice. Users are encouraged to apply independent judgment when relying on AI-generated responses.
2. Accuracy and Limitations
The Platform strives to ensure that all AI-assisted outputs are relevant and helpful. However, due to the nature of AI systems, responses may occasionally be incomplete, inaccurate, or not fully aligned with the intended curriculum. The Platform does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content.
3. Content Development and Review
Some learning materials available on the Platform are developed with the assistance of AI tools and are subsequently reviewed, edited, and validated by qualified educators or subject-matter contributors. This process is intended to ensure quality, clarity, and relevance of the educational content provided.
4. User Responsibility
Users agree to use the AI Tutor responsibly and for lawful educational purposes only. Users must not:
- Submit harmful, abusive, or unlawful content
- Attempt to manipulate or misuse the AI system
- Rely solely on AI-generated responses for critical decisions
5. Data Usage in AI Interactions
User inputs and interactions with the AI Tutor may be processed to provide responses, improve system performance, and enhance user experience, in accordance with the Platform’s Privacy Policy.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Platform shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or consequences arising from reliance on AI-generated content or materials provided through the Platform.
6. Payments, Charges & Refunds (Consumer Protection–Sensitive Section)
a) Payments
Payments are processed through approved third-party providers (e.g. mobile money or card processors). We do not store sensitive payment credentials. Confirmation of payment is provided to the user.
b) Refunds & Remedies
In line with fair consumer practice:
- Payments are generally non-refundable once an assessment or certificate has been accessed or issued.
-
If a payment is made but the service is not delivered due to a platform error, the user is entitled to:
- service delivery at no extra cost, or
- a reasonable refund, where applicable.
- Refund requests are reviewed fairly and in good faith.
7. Acceptable Use & Fair Conduct
Users may not:
- misuse the Platform for unlawful purposes;
- interfere with system security or operations;
- copy or redistribute content without permission;
- impersonate others or misrepresent credentials.
Any enforcement action will be proportionate and explained, in line with fairness principles.
8. Intellectual Property Rights
All original platform content is owned by or licensed to GSS Pathway. Users receive a limited, personal, non-commercial licence to access content. Certificates may be shared for verification but not altered or falsified.
9. Third-Party Content & Services
Where third-party content (e.g. embedded videos or tools) is used:
- ownership remains with the original provider;
- we do not control or endorse external platforms;
- third-party terms may apply.
10. Service Availability & Changes
We aim to provide reliable access but:
- do not guarantee uninterrupted service;
- may temporarily suspend access for maintenance, security, or upgrades.
Material changes affecting paid services will be communicated where reasonably possible.
11. Complaints & Dispute Resolution (Important for Malawi compliance)
Users may raise complaints regarding:
- payments;
- access issues;
- certificates;
- platform conduct.
We commit to:
- acknowledging complaints promptly;
- resolving issues fairly and reasonably;
- providing clear explanations for decisions.
12. Limitation of Liability (Balanced & Fair)
To the extent permitted by Malawian law:
- We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses.
- Liability relating to paid services is limited to the amount paid for that service.
- Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where exclusion would be unlawful.
13. Account Suspension or Termination
We may suspend or terminate access where:
- Terms are materially breached;
- fraud or misuse is identified;
- required by law.
Users may request account closure at any time, subject to record-keeping obligations.
14. Privacy & Data Protection
Personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.
15. Changes to These Terms
Any updates:
- will be published on this page;
- take effect from the stated date.
Continued use indicates acceptance.
16. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Malawi. Disputes shall be resolved under Malawian jurisdiction, with preference for amicable resolution where possible.
17. Contact Information
GSS PATHWAY
Email: gsspathway@gmail.com
Country of operation: Malawi