IJMAT Privacy Policy: Privacy and Data Protection Commitment

The International Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Research and Trends (IJMAT) is dedicated to advancing scholarship while safeguarding the privacy and data of our global community. This Privacy Policy details how IJMAT collects, uses, stores, and protects the personal information of authors, reviewers, editors, and site visitors. By engaging with IJMAT, you consent to the practices outlined here. We are committed to robust data protection, adhering to the highest standards, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and relevant Indian regulations.

1. Information We Collect and How We Use It

We collect data necessary to maintain a world-class, ethical, and efficient publication process.

How We Collect Data:

• Directly Provided: When you manually submit a manuscript, register as a reviewer, or contact our editorial office.
• Automated Collection: Via cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) when you visit our website (you will be informed via a consent banner).
• Third-Party Sources: Limited collection from publicly available professional sources to verify affiliations and expertise during the editorial vetting process.

2. Legal Basis and Data Sharing

Legal Grounds for Processing

We process your personal information under the following legal bases:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide data (e.g., opting into a mailing list).
• Contractual Necessity: Fulfilling our commitment to process your manuscript or facilitate the peer review agreement.
• Legitimate Interests: Improving journal quality, ensuring data security, complying with indexing standards, and enhancing website functionality.
• Legal Compliance: Meeting statutory requirements under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and other applicable laws.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We practice strict data minimization when sharing your information:

• Internal Use: Data is shared internally only with the editorial team, assigned reviewers, and staff under strict confidentiality agreements for the sole purpose of the publication process.
• Third Parties: Limited metadata (e.g., author names, affiliations) is shared with trusted digital archiving and indexing services (e.g., Crossref) to meet open access and preservation standards.
• Legal Obligation: We will disclose personal information only if mandated by law or necessary to protect the rights and safety of the journal or its users.
• No Commercial Sharing: IJMAT does not, and will never, sell, rent, or share personal information for commercial purposes.

3. Security, Retention, and Global Transfers Data Security

We implement robust technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including secure servers, encryption, and restricted access controls. While no online system is flawless, we are dedicated to protecting data within our reasonable control.

Data Retention Schedule

We retain data only as long as necessary for its intended purpose:

• Manuscript/Review Data: Retained for the necessary period to comply with publication ethics, legal, and archiving requirements.
• Website Usage Data: Retained for up to 24 months for analytical purposes.
• Correspondence: Retained for up to 5 years to address potential disputes or follow-up inquiries.

  After the retention period, data is securely deleted or irreversibly anonymized.

International Data Transfers

As an international journal, data transfers across borders (e.g., to international reviewers or archiving services) are necessary. All such transfers are conducted with appropriate safeguards, including contractual agreements, to ensure data remains protected at a standard equivalent to the originating jurisdiction (including GDPR for EU residents).

4. Your Rights and Contact Information

You maintain full control over your personal data. You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Deletion: Request the deletion of your data (subject to legal and archiving obligations).
• Restriction: Request limits on data processing in certain circumstances.
• Objection: Object to processing based on our legitimate interests.

To exercise any of these rights, please submit your request to editor@ijmat.org. We will respond within 30 days following identity verification.

Cookies and Third-Party Links: Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external third-party sites linked from our website.

Final Provisions

• Changes to Policy: IJMAT reserves the right to update this policy. Changes will be posted on the website with a revised Effective Date. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
• Complaints: If you have concerns about data handling, please contact editor@ijmat.org. We will investigate and respond in accordance with COPE guidelines and applicable laws.

Effective Date: 15th October 2025

Contact Email: editor@ijmat.org

Postal Address:

EDTECH PUBLISHERS (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED
6/48, Near Chrysalis High School, Balaji Layout, Horamavu Agara, Horamavu, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA, PIN: 560016