Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines the policies and procedures of The Research Frontline – Journal (TRF-J) regarding the collection, use, processing, and protection of information obtained from authors, reviewers, readers, subscribers, donors, and website visitors.

This policy applies to all information received by TRF-J through its website, submission portal, email communications, or any other official medium.

1. Collection and Use of Information

TRF-J may collect information in the following circumstances:

  • When an author submits a manuscript

  • When a reviewer registers or accepts a review invitation

  • When a user subscribes to journal updates

  • When a donor makes a voluntary contribution (if applicable)

  • When a visitor communicates via email

  • When a user applies for editorial or academic positions

Types of Information Collected

We may collect personal and professional information such as:

  • Name

  • Institutional affiliation

  • Academic designation

  • Email address

  • Contact number

  • ORCID (if provided)

  • Payment details (if applicable for APCs or donations)

  • Mailing address (where necessary)

For voluntary financial contributions, we may collect additional information required for payment processing.

2. Confidentiality and Data Protection

TRF-J treats all personal and financial information as strictly confidential.

  • Information is accessed only by authorized editorial or administrative personnel.

  • We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties.

  • Email addresses and contact details are not shared with external agencies except where legally required.

  • Financial data is handled through secure third-party payment processors.

3. Information from Payment Processors

If voluntary APCs or donations are made electronically, payment processors may collect certain financial information.

Users are advised to consult the privacy policies of their respective payment service providers. TRF-J does not store sensitive financial details such as credit/debit card numbers.

4. Use of Collected Information

Personal data may be used for:

  • Processing manuscript submissions

  • Conducting peer review

  • Communicating editorial decisions

  • Issuing publication certificates

  • Managing reviewer databases

  • Processing voluntary APC payments or donations

  • Record-keeping and compliance with legal obligations

  • Informing users about journal announcements, calls for papers, and academic activities

5. Website Usage Data

Visitors may browse the TRF-J website anonymously.

While browsing, certain non-personal information may be automatically recorded, such as:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Referring and exit pages

  • Pages visited

  • Number of clicks

  • Device type

This information is used solely for:

  • Statistical analysis

  • Improving website functionality

  • Understanding usage patterns

Aggregated and anonymized data may be shared for analytical purposes.

6. Visitor Consent

By using the TRF-J website or submitting personal information, users expressly consent to the collection and processing of their information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

If personal information about another individual is provided (e.g., co-author details), the submitting party confirms that they have obtained appropriate consent.

7. Sharing and Disclosure

TRF-J does not disclose personal information except:

  • When required by law or government authorities

  • In cases of suspected academic misconduct or illegal activity

  • To protect the rights, safety, or property of the Journal, its contributors, or its users

While TRF-J implements reasonable security measures, it shall not be held liable for data breaches resulting from cybercrime, hacking, phishing, or other unauthorized third-party actions beyond its control.

8. Users’ Rights

Users have the right:

  • To be informed about how their data is used

  • To request correction of inaccurate information

  • To request removal from mailing lists

  • To withdraw consent where applicable

  • To seek clarification regarding their data

Requests may be made via the official journal email.

9. Data Retention

TRF-J retains:

  • Submission records for archival and academic integrity purposes

  • Published metadata permanently

  • Reviewer records for editorial management

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for legitimate academic and administrative purposes.

10. Policy Updates

TRF-J reserves the right to update or revise this Privacy Policy at any time. Updated versions will be posted on the official website with a revised effective date.