Privacy and Data Protection

Privacy & Data Protection Policy

The Researchcycles Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (RJMS), published by Researchcycles Press (Researchcycles LLC, Delaware, United States), is committed to protecting the personal data and privacy of authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. This policy describes how personal data is collected, processed, stored, and protected in accordance with applicable data protection legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

1. Personal Data Collected

  • Identification data (name, affiliation, country, email, ORCID iD).
  • Submission and review data (manuscript files, reviewer reports, decision letters).
  • Technical data (IP address, browser type, system logs) used for security and website analytics.

2. Purpose & Legal Basis for Processing

Personal data is processed for the following purposes:

  • Managing submissions, peer review, editorial decisions, and publication.
  • Communicating with authors, reviewers, and editors.
  • Indexing, archiving, and citation of published articles.

The legal basis for processing includes: consent of the data subject, performance of the publishing contract, and legitimate interest of the publisher in maintaining editorial operations and safeguarding academic integrity.

3. Data Retention and Deletion

RJMS retains personal data for as long as necessary for the above purposes. Manuscript and review records are retained for a minimum of five (5) years after publication or final decision. After this period, inactive personal data may be anonymised or securely deleted in line with best practice.

4. Data Subject Rights

  • Access their personal data.
  • Request correction or deletion of their data.
  • Request restriction or object to data processing.
  • Request portability of their data where applicable.

Requests should be sent to privacy@researchcycles.press. RJMS will respond within 30 days of receipt.

5. International Data Transfers

Personal data may be stored and processed in the United States or transferred to other countries. Researchcycles Press implements appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), to protect data when transferring outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

6. Security Measures

Appropriate technical and organisational measures are in place to protect personal data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Secure HTTPS connections, access controls, encryption, and regular audits are maintained.

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

The journal’s website uses cookies strictly for site functionality, performance monitoring, and user experience enhancement. Users can disable cookies via browser settings. No cookies are used for profiling or third-party advertising.

8. Changes to This Policy

RJMS may update this Privacy & Data Protection Policy from time to time. Any substantial changes will be published on this page with the effective date.

Publisher: Researchcycles Press, Wilmington, Delaware, United States
Contact Email: editors@researchcycles.press