Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Manuscript Submissions: Author information, institutional affiliations, contact details, research data
• Peer Review: Reviewer credentials, expertise areas, conflict of interest declarations
• Contact Forms: Name, email address, institutional affiliation, inquiry details
• Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address, name, research interests
• User Accounts: Profile information, academic credentials, research interests

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Website Analytics: Page views, session duration, referral sources, device information
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, access times
• Cookies: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies
• Security Logs: Access attempts, security events, system monitoring data

2. How We Use Your Information

Purpose	Information Used	Legal Basis
Manuscript Processing	Author details, submission content, peer review data	Legitimate Interest
Peer Review Management	Reviewer credentials, expertise, review content	Legitimate Interest
Editorial Communications	Contact information, submission status	Legitimate Interest
Website Improvement	Analytics data, user feedback	Legitimate Interest
Security Monitoring	Access logs, security events	Legitimate Interest
Marketing Communications	Email address, preferences	Consent

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 Academic Publishing

Upon publication, author information and research content become publicly available as part of the academic record. This includes:

• Author names and institutional affiliations
• Published research content
• Publication metadata
• DOI and citation information

3.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted service providers who assist in our operations:

• Hosting Services: Website and data hosting (security-compliant providers)
• Analytics Providers: Website performance and usage analytics
• Email Services: Editorial communications and newsletters
• Security Services: Cybersecurity monitoring and protection

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or security threats
• Respond to law enforcement requests

4. Data Security and Protection

4.1 Technical Safeguards

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Encrypted data storage
• Regular security assessments
• Access control and authentication systems
• Firewall and intrusion detection systems

4.2 Administrative Safeguards

• Staff training on data protection
• Regular policy updates
• Incident response procedures
• Data retention policies
• Third-party vendor assessments

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Data Subject Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Union, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Restriction: Limit processing of your personal data
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities

5.2 Communication Preferences

• Opt out of marketing communications at any time
• Update your contact preferences
• Manage cookie settings
• Request communication format changes

6. Data Retention

Data Type	Retention Period	Reason
Published Articles	Indefinite	Academic permanence
Peer Review Records	7 years	Academic integrity
Manuscript Submissions	3 years	Editorial records
Contact Form Data	2 years	Communication history
Website Analytics	26 months	Performance analysis
Security Logs	1 year	Security monitoring

7. International Data Transfers

Our services may involve data transfers to countries outside your jurisdiction. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
• Adequacy decisions by data protection authorities
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct
• Binding corporate rules for international transfers

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

9.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage patterns
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Security Cookies: Protect against fraudulent activity

9.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. AI and Automated Processing

We use AI technologies to enhance our services, including:

• Manuscript similarity detection
• Content quality assessment
• Spam and fraud prevention
• Website personalization

You have the right to object to automated decision-making that significantly affects you.

12. Privacy Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes through:

• Website notifications
• Email communications
• Updated revision dates

13. Contact Information

14. Regulatory Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with:

• GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation (EU)
• CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act (US)
• PIPEDA: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (Canada)
• Academic Standards: Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines
• Security Standards: ISO 27001 information security principles