Privacy Statement

The Archives of Biotechnology and Biomedicine respects the privacy of its authors, reviewers, readers, and visitors. Protecting personal information is central to our commitment to ethical publishing and professional responsibility. This Privacy Statement outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect data, and explains the rights of individuals under applicable laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union and other relevant frameworks.

Scope of the Policy

This Privacy Statement applies to all personal information collected during manuscript submission, peer review, editorial processing, communication with the journal, website usage, and participation in surveys or mailing lists. It covers data submitted directly by users as well as information collected automatically through our website.

Information We Collect

The journal collects the following categories of data:

• Author Information: Names, institutional affiliations, email addresses, ORCID iDs, phone numbers, and correspondence details required for manuscript submission and processing.
• Reviewer Information: Names, expertise areas, contact details, and reviewing history used for matching manuscripts and managing peer review.
• Reader Information: Email addresses and preferences when subscribing to journal alerts, newsletters, or notifications.
• Technical Data: IP addresses, browser type, device information, cookies, and access logs for website functionality and analytics.
• Financial Data: Limited payment information for processing article processing charges (APCs), handled through secure third-party payment systems.

Use of Information

Data is used exclusively for legitimate publishing and administrative purposes:

• Facilitating manuscript submission, review, and editorial decision-making.
• Managing reviewer assignments and maintaining peer review integrity.
• Publishing accurate author and article metadata for indexing and citation purposes.
• Communicating with authors, reviewers, and readers regarding submissions, policies, and updates.
• Maintaining website functionality and improving user experience.
• Processing payments securely and maintaining transaction records.
• Complying with legal obligations, research ethics, and archiving standards.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

The journal does not sell or rent personal data. Information may be shared in limited circumstances:

• With editors, reviewers, and editorial staff involved in the publication process.
• With indexing services and metadata repositories for dissemination and discoverability.
• With trusted third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, hosting providers) under strict confidentiality agreements.
• As required by law, regulation, or legal proceedings.

Cookies and Web Analytics

Our website uses cookies to enhance usability and track user interactions. Cookies store preferences, manage login sessions, and support analytics. Users may disable cookies in their browsers; however, some site features may not function optimally. Analytics data is aggregated and anonymized to evaluate website performance and improve services.

Data Retention

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose. Manuscript and peer review records are maintained as part of the scholarly record. Financial and transaction data is stored in compliance with accounting and tax regulations. Subscription data is retained until users unsubscribe or request deletion.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Security practices include encryption, firewalls, regular backups, role-based access controls, and monitoring for potential breaches. While no system can guarantee absolute security, we are committed to maintaining the highest possible safeguards.

User Rights

Under applicable laws, users have rights regarding their personal information:

• Access: Individuals may request a copy of their personal data held by the journal.
• Correction: Users may request updates or corrections to inaccurate information.
• Deletion: Users may request deletion of their data, subject to legal and academic record-keeping obligations.
• Restriction: Individuals may request limitations on how their data is processed.
• Portability: Users may request transfer of their personal data to another service where technically feasible.
• Withdrawal of Consent: Users may withdraw previously granted consent for specific uses of their information.

Requests are handled promptly, and identity verification may be required for security purposes.

Children’s Privacy

The journal does not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16 years of age. If such data is discovered, it will be deleted immediately. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided personal information should contact the editorial office for resolution.

International Data Transfers

As an international journal, personal data may be transferred across borders to facilitate global collaboration. Such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and are protected by appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses where required.

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Statement may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or publishing practices. The revised version will be posted on the journal’s website with the date of last revision clearly indicated.