Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Abide University ("Abide," "we," "our," "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your data when you access abide.edu.kg, our sub‑domains and any related services (collectively, the "Services").

2. Key Definitions

• "Personal data" means information that identifies or could reasonably identify an individual.
• "Processing" means any operation performed on personal data, such as collection, storage, use or deletion.
• "Data subject" means a natural person whose personal data is processed.

3. Information We Collect

• Information you provide — application forms, enrollment data, scholarship requests, research participation, surveys, event registrations, support inquiries, etc.
• Automatically collected data — IP address, device identifiers, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, click‑stream data, access times, and cookie information.
• Sensitive data (e.g., health, disability, ethnicity) collected only when required for specific programs or to satisfy legal obligations, and always with appropriate safeguards.
• Payment information processed by certified payment gateways for tuition or fees. We do not store full credit‑card numbers.

4. How We Use Information

We process personal data to:

• Deliver academic programs, online courses and campus services;
• Manage applications, enrollment, housing and financial records;
• Authenticate identities and secure user accounts;
• Provide career guidance, alumni outreach and fundraising campaigns;
• Respond to inquiries, technical issues and support requests;
• Analyze usage trends to improve our Sites and enhance user experience;
• Deliver marketing communications where permitted (with opt‑out options);
• Comply with accreditation standards, audits, legal or regulatory requirements; and
• Protect the rights, property and safety of Abide and our community.

5. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)

Where the EU or UK GDPR applies, Abide relies on the following lawful bases: (i) contract performance, (ii) legitimate interests, (iii) legal obligation, (iv) vital interests, and (v) consent (for example, for direct marketing).

6. Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use essential, functional and analytics cookies, as well as pixels and local storage, to:

• Keep you signed in and maintain session security;
• Remember language or display preferences; and
• Measure traffic, engagement and marketing campaign performance.

You can disable non‑essential cookies through our cookie banner or in your browser settings, but core functionality may be affected.

7. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell personal data. We may share it with:

• Service providers (cloud hosting, email delivery, payment processors) bound by confidentiality and data‑processing agreements;
• Partner institutions for joint degrees, study abroad or research collaborations;
• Regulatory bodies or law‑enforcement agencies if required by applicable law or court order; and
• New entities in the event of a merger, acquisition or restructuring, subject to this Policy's protections.

8. International Data Transfers

Abide is headquartered in the Kyrgyz Republic. If you access our Services from outside the Kyrgyz Republic, your data may be transferred to, stored and processed in the Kyrgyz Republic or other jurisdictions. We use Standard Contractual Clauses or other approved safeguards for cross‑border transfers where required.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without parental consent. If you believe we have done so inadvertently, please contact us to remove the information.

10. Automated Decision‑Making

We do not engage in automated decision‑making that produces legal or similarly significant effects without human review.

11. Data Security

Abide implements industry‑standard administrative, technical and physical safeguards (encryption, access controls, staff training) to protect data against loss, misuse, unauthorized access or disclosure.

12. Your Privacy Rights

• Access—request a copy of the personal data we hold about you;
• Correction—update or rectify inaccurate data;
• Deletion—request erasure where legally permissible;
• Restriction—limit certain processing;
• Portability—receive data in a portable format;
• Objection—object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing;
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

California residents may also exercise rights under the CCPA (access, delete, opt‑out of "sale"/"sharing"). We will not discriminate for exercising any privacy right.

13. How to Exercise Your Rights

Submit requests via [email protected] or the online privacy portal in your student account. We may verify your identity before fulfilling a request.

14. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined, satisfy contractual or legal obligations, resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

15. Third‑Party Websites

Our Services may link to external sites. Abide is not responsible for those sites' privacy practices or content. We encourage you to review their privacy notices.

16. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Significant changes will be communicated through the Site or by email. Continued use of the Services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

17. Contact Us

Email our Data Protection Office at [email protected] or send postal mail to Privacy Office, 7 Aaly Tokombaev Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic 720060. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.