Privacy Policy

1. Scope and Controller Information

This Privacy Policy applies to personal data processed through the journal website and associated publishing services operated by or on behalf of NIU Journal of Intelligent Engineering Systems and Emerging Technologies.

Depending on the context, the journal and its publisher may act as the data controller or jointly determine data processing with editorial teams, platform providers, and service partners involved in hosting, publishing, and communication services.

2. Categories of Personal Data We May Collect

We may collect personal data necessary for editorial operations, publication workflows, communication, and system management, including:

• Name, designation, institutional affiliation, and professional details
• Email address, phone number, and contact information
• Account login credentials and user preferences
• Manuscript submission data, reviewer comments, and publication metadata
• Communications with editors, reviewers, or support teams
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, device details, and usage logs
• Newsletter preferences, consent records, and subscription details

3. Sources of Personal Data

Personal data may be collected from:

• Direct user submissions (authors, reviewers, readers)
• Institutional affiliations and academic networks
• Journal submission and peer-review systems
• Website interactions and usage analytics
• Cookies and similar technologies (where applicable)
• Trusted third-party service providers supporting journal operations

4. Purposes of Processing

We process personal data only where necessary for legitimate academic and publishing purposes, including:

• Managing manuscript submissions and peer-review processes
• Publishing articles, maintaining archives, and metadata records
• Communicating with authors, reviewers, editors, and readers
• Providing technical support and responding to queries
• Improving website performance, usability, and accessibility
• Ensuring platform security and preventing misuse
• Sending journal updates, alerts, or newsletters (where applicable)
• Complying with legal, regulatory, and institutional obligations

5. Legal Bases for Processing

Where applicable, processing is based on:

• Performance of a publishing or service-related contract
• Legitimate interests in scholarly communication and research dissemination
• Compliance with legal obligations
• User consent (where required)

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

6. Cookies, Analytics, and Similar Technologies

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

• Maintain website functionality
• Understand user behavior and improve performance
• Enhance accessibility and user experience
• Prevent unauthorized access or misuse

Non-essential cookies are used only with user consent where required by law.

7. How We Share Information

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

• Editorial and publishing processes
• Technical infrastructure, hosting, and platform services
• Indexing, DOI registration, and archiving systems
• Legal compliance or regulatory requirements
• Protection of rights, security, or fraud prevention

8. International Data Transfers

Due to the global nature of academic publishing, personal data may be processed or accessed across different countries. Appropriate safeguards are applied in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

9. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for:

• Editorial and publication records
• Legal compliance and dispute resolution
• Security and auditing purposes

Published content and metadata may be retained long-term to preserve the scholarly record.

10. Security Measures

We implement appropriate 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. Your Rights

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

• Access, correct, or update personal data
• Request deletion or restriction of processing
• Object to certain data uses
• Request data portability
• Withdraw consent where applicable
• Lodge complaints with relevant data protection authorities

12. Marketing Communications and Newsletter Preferences

Users receiving newsletters or updates may manage preferences or unsubscribe at any time.

Important service-related communications (e.g., editorial decisions, system notifications) may still be sent when necessary.

13. Children’s Privacy

The journal’s services are intended for academic and professional users. 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 third-party platforms, repositories, or indexing services. These external services operate independently and have their own privacy policies.

We are not responsible for their practices.

15. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal, technical, or operational requirements. Updated versions will be published on this page with a revised effective date.