Legal
Privacy notice and teacher responsibility
Effective date: 13 June 2026 · ALPHA TOWER Solutions (Pty) Ltd
1. Who processes learner data
DES Studio is a software tool provided by ALPHA TOWER Solutions (Pty) Ltd. When a teacher uses DES Studio, they create and manage learner records within their own private workspace. The teacher is the responsible party for any personal information about learners that they enter into the system.
2. What data is stored
DES Studio stores only the data that the teacher explicitly enters:
- Learner display names or anonymised codes
- Optional learner codes and external reference numbers
- Assessment marks and scores (not personal health or family data)
- Teacher notes and intervention plans
- Class, template, and school details
DES Studio does not collect learner home addresses, contact details, identity numbers, or sensitive personal information.
3. POPIA compliance — teacher responsibilities
South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) requires that personal information be processed lawfully, minimally, and securely. Teachers using DES Studio are responsible for:
- Entering only the minimum data needed for assessment purposes
- Using anonymised learner codes where possible instead of full names
- Not uploading photographs or sensitive personal information
- Ensuring evidence packs and exported files are stored and shared securely
- Deleting learner records when no longer needed for educational purposes
4. AI and analysis output
DES Studio's deterministic analysis engine calculates percentages and performance bands using mathematical rules only — no AI is involved in core calculations. Where AI-assisted features are available (Pro and Max plans), the teacher remains responsible for reviewing and approving any AI-generated content before it is included in evidence packs or shared with learners, parents, or colleagues.
AI outputs are suggestions only. They must not be presented as final assessments without teacher review.
5. Data storage and security
All data is stored on AWS infrastructure within secure, access-controlled environments. Workspaces are private — no other teacher or administrator can access your learner data without your credentials.
ALPHA TOWER Solutions (Pty) Ltd does not sell, share, or use learner data for marketing, AI training, or any purpose other than operating the DES Studio service.
6. Contact
For privacy enquiries, data deletion requests, or POPIA-related concerns, contact: privacy@alphatower.co.za