Introduction
Academist ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us:
- Account Information: Name, email address, and institutional affiliation when you create an account
- Submission Data: Manuscripts, abstracts, and related materials submitted to OpenMJ
- Communications: Messages sent through our contact forms or email
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address when you subscribe to our newsletter
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:
- Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent, and navigation patterns
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and IP address
- Cookies: Small data files stored on your device for functionality and analytics
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for:
- Service Delivery: Processing submissions, managing peer review, and publishing content
- Communication: Responding to inquiries and sending updates about submissions
- Analytics: Understanding usage patterns and improving our platform
- Marketing: Sending newsletters and updates (with your consent)
- Security: Detecting and preventing fraud and abuse
Information Sharing
We may share your information with:
- Reviewers: Submitted manuscripts are shared with peer reviewers (anonymized when possible)
- Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with hosting, analytics, and email delivery
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not share your email address with advertisers or marketers.
Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies for:
- Essential Functions: Authentication and session management
- Analytics: Understanding how visitors use our site
- Preferences: Remembering your settings and choices
You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit some functionality.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Regular security audits and updates
- Access controls and authentication
- Secure backup procedures
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your data (with exceptions)
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@academist.com.
Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services and maintain your account
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
Published papers and associated metadata are retained permanently for academic record-keeping.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover such collection, we will delete it promptly.
International Users
Our servers are located in the United States. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the US. We comply with applicable data protection laws, including GDPR where applicable.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us at:
- Email: privacy@academist.com
- General Inquiries: contact@academist.com