Privacy Policy

1. Scope and Controller Information

This Privacy Policy applies to all personal data processed through the SSIPMT Journal of Sustainable Development and Social Science website and related publishing services.

The journal, through its publisher and editorial management, acts as the data controller or jointly determines data processing activities with editorial teams, hosting providers, and platform partners involved in journal operations, publication, and communication services.

2. Categories of Personal Data We Collect

We collect personal data necessary for editorial, publishing, administrative, and communication purposes, including:

• Name, designation, institutional affiliation, and professional details
• Email address, phone number, and contact information
• User account credentials and preferences
• Manuscript submission details, author metadata, reviewer reports, and editorial decisions
• Communications between authors, reviewers, editors, and support teams
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, device information, and access logs
• Newsletter preferences, subscription records, and consent data

3. Sources of Personal Data

Personal data may be collected from:

• Direct submissions by authors, reviewers, and users
• Institutional affiliations or co-authors
• Journal registration and account creation
• Editorial and peer review workflows
• Website usage, cookies, and analytics tools
• Authorized third-party service providers supporting publishing infrastructure

4. Purposes of Data Processing

We process personal data only for legitimate academic and operational purposes, including:

• Managing manuscript submissions, peer review, and editorial decisions
• Publishing articles and maintaining journal archives
• Communicating with authors, reviewers, editors, and readers
• Providing user support and responding to inquiries
• Maintaining publication records and metadata integrity
• Improving website performance, usability, and accessibility
• Ensuring platform security and preventing misuse
• Sending journal alerts, newsletters, or service-related communications
• Complying with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Where applicable, data processing is based on performance of a publishing or service-related contract, legitimate interests, legal compliance, and user consent where required.

Users may withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior lawful processing.

6. Cookies, Analytics, and Tracking Technologies

The journal website may use cookies, server logs, and analytics tools to:

• Maintain website functionality
• Analyze user behavior and improve services
• Enhance performance and accessibility
• Ensure security and prevent abuse

Non-essential cookies are used only where consent is provided, in accordance with applicable laws.

7. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell personal data. Information may be shared only where necessary for:

• Editorial and peer review processes
• Publishing and production services
• Hosting, IT infrastructure, and platform maintenance
• Indexing, DOI registration, and archiving services
• Legal, regulatory, or compliance requirements
• Protection of rights, security, or fraud prevention

All third-party partners are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and data protection standards.

8. International Data Transfers

Due to the global nature of academic publishing, personal data may be processed or accessed across different jurisdictions. Appropriate safeguards are implemented to ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws.

9. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for:

• Editorial and publication purposes
• Maintaining the scholarly record and archives
• Legal compliance and dispute resolution
• Security and audit requirements

Publication-related data may be retained for extended periods to preserve academic integrity and citation records.

10. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

However, no digital system can guarantee complete security, and users are responsible for safeguarding their account credentials.

11. User Rights

Subject to applicable laws, users may have the right to:

• Access, update, or correct their personal data
• Request deletion or restriction of processing
• Object to certain data processing activities
• Request data portability where applicable
• Withdraw consent at any time

Users may also lodge complaints with relevant data protection authorities.

12. Marketing Communications and Newsletter Preferences

Users may subscribe to newsletters or journal alerts. They can manage preferences or unsubscribe at any time through provided links.

Essential communications related to submissions, editorial decisions, or system notifications may still be sent when necessary.

13. Children’s Privacy

The journal’s services are intended for academic and professional audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children unless permitted under applicable laws.

14. Third-Party Services and External Links

The journal website may include links to external platforms, repositories, or services. These operate independently and are governed by their own privacy policies. The journal is not responsible for third-party data practices.

15. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, technology, or journal operations. Updated versions will be published on the website with a revised effective date.