1. Introduction

The Journal of Computer Science, Technology and Innovation (JCSTI) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all individuals who interact with the journal. This includes authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and website visitors. This Privacy Statement explains how JCSTI collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data in accordance with international data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws .

JCSTI recognises that privacy is a fundamental right and that the personal information entrusted to us must be handled with the utmost care and responsibility. By using the journal's website, submitting a manuscript, or registering as a reviewer, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Statement .

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information Provided by Users

JCSTI collects personal information that users voluntarily provide through the journal's online submission system and website . This includes:

  • Registration Information: When registering as an author, reviewer, or reader, we collect names, institutional affiliations, and contact details such as email addresses .

  • Submission Information: Authors provide manuscript details, ORCID iDs, biographical information, and publication history .

  • Reviewer Information: Reviewers provide their areas of expertise and professional background to facilitate appropriate manuscript assignments .

  • Correspondence: When you contact us, we may keep a record of that communication .

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the JCSTI website, certain information is automatically collected :

  • Usage Data: Information about how the website is accessed and used, including pages visited, time and date of visits, and time spent on pages .

  • Device Information: IP addresses, operating systems, and browser types for system administration and analytics .

  • Cookies: Small files stored on your device that help us operate the website, remember preferences, and analyse usage patterns .

3. Purpose of Data Collection

JCSTI collects personal data exclusively for legitimate academic and editorial purposes . These purposes include:

  • Manuscript Management: Processing submissions, facilitating the peer review process, and communicating editorial decisions .

  • Reviewer Management: Maintaining reviewer records and enabling the assignment of appropriate reviewers .

  • Editorial Correspondence: Communicating with authors, reviewers, and editors throughout the publication process .

  • Publication and Promotion: Publishing author names, affiliations, and ORCID iDs alongside accepted manuscripts .

  • Journal Operations: Managing subscriptions, notifications, and administrative functions .

  • Analytics and Improvement: Analysing website usage and submission patterns to improve journal services .

4. Legal Basis for Processing

JCSTI processes personal data based on one or more of the following legal grounds, consistent with GDPR requirements :

  • Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary for the performance of agreements with authors and reviewers, including publication agreements and peer review commitments.

  • Legitimate Interests: Processing serves the journal's legitimate interests in maintaining editorial records, communicating with stakeholders, and preserving the scholarly record.

  • Legal Obligations: Processing is required to comply with applicable laws, including data protection regulations .

  • Consent: In specific cases, processing is based on the explicit consent of the data subject .

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Limited Sharing

JCSTI does not sell or rent personal information to third parties . Personal data may be shared only in the following circumstances:

  • Indexing and Abstracting Services: Author metadata and article information are shared with services such as Web of Science and Scopus to enhance article visibility .

  • Service Providers: Data may be shared with hosting providers and the Open Journal Systems platform under strict confidentiality agreements .

  • Academic Integrity: In cases of suspected misconduct, data may be shared with institutional research integrity bodies .

5.2 Legal Disclosures

In certain circumstances, JCSTI may be required to disclose personal data if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities, such as courts or government agencies .

6. Data Storage and Security

JCSTI implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction .

  • Secure Servers: All personal data is stored on secure servers with restricted access .

  • Encryption: Payment transactions, if applicable, are encrypted using SSL technology .

  • Access Controls: Access to user information is limited to authorised journal editors, editorial staff, and system administrators who require such access for legitimate purposes .

  • Data Retention: Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for editorial and archiving purposes .

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

JCSTI uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and collect anonymous analytics data .

7.1 Types of Cookies Used

  • Session Cookies: Required for the operation of the submission system and user sessions .

  • Preference Cookies: Used to remember your preferences and various settings .

  • Security Cookies: Used for security purposes .

7.2 User Control

Visitors may configure their browser settings to decline cookies. However, this may affect certain functionalities, including article submission and providing referee reports . Cookies are not required simply to visit the site and read content .

8. Data Subject Rights

Individuals whose data is collected by JCSTI have the following rights under applicable data protection laws :

  • Right of Access: You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you .

  • Right to Rectification: You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data .

  • Right to Erasure: You may request deletion of personal information where there is no valid reason for continued processing .

  • Right to Object: You may object to processing based on legitimate interests .

  • Right to Restrict Processing: You may request suspension of processing under certain conditions .

  • Right to Data Portability: You may request transfer of your data in a structured, machine-readable format .

  • Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw consent where processing is consent-based .

To exercise any of these rights, please contact the JCSTI editorial office. We may need to verify your identity before responding to such requests .

9. Data Retention

JCSTI retains personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Statement . This includes:

  • Editorial Records: Data related to submissions and peer review is retained as part of the scholarly record.

  • Legal Compliance: Data may be retained to comply with applicable laws and regulations .

  • User Accounts: Registered user data is retained until the user requests deletion .

Usage data is generally retained for shorter periods, except when needed for security or functional improvements .

10. International Data Transfers

As JCSTI operates internationally, personal data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your jurisdiction . Such transfers are made with adequate safeguards in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable privacy laws .

By using the JCSTI website and submitting your information, you consent to such transfers where necessary for the journal's operations.

11. Children's Privacy

JCSTI does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 14 . If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

12. Changes to This Privacy Statement

JCSTI reserves the right to update this Privacy Statement at any time to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or editorial practices . Updates will be posted on the journal website with the date of revision. Users are encouraged to review this statement periodically .

13. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Statement, concerns about personal data handling, or to exercise your data subject rights, please contact the JCSTI editorial office through the contact information provided on the journal website .

14. Complaints

If you believe that your privacy rights have not been respected, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority in your jurisdiction .