Legal

Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 24, 2024

1. Introduction

Boston Research Journals ("BRJ," "we," "us," or "our") operates the Atlas platform and related services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform, website, and services (collectively, the "Services").

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:

  • Create an account or register for our Services
  • Submit manuscripts or other content
  • Complete forms or request information
  • Participate in peer review processes
  • Contact our support team
  • Subscribe to newsletters or communications

This information may include:

  • Name and contact information (email, phone, address)
  • Professional information (institution, department, role)
  • Account credentials
  • Academic identifiers (ORCID, Scopus ID)
  • Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)
  • Content you submit (manuscripts, reviews, comments)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our Services, we automatically collect certain information, including:

  • Device information (type, operating system, browser)
  • IP address and approximate location
  • Usage data (pages visited, features used, time spent)
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our Services
  • Process submissions and facilitate peer review
  • Communicate with you about your account and our Services
  • Process payments and manage subscriptions
  • Send newsletters and marketing communications (with your consent)
  • Analyze usage patterns and improve user experience
  • Detect and prevent fraud or unauthorized access
  • Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • With Service Providers: We share information with third-party vendors who provide services on our behalf (hosting, payment processing, analytics).
  • For Editorial Processes: Manuscript information is shared with editors and reviewers as part of the peer review process.
  • For Publication: Author information is published alongside accepted articles as part of standard academic practice.
  • With Indexing Services: Published content is shared with academic indexing databases (Crossref, DOAJ, etc.).
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law or to protect our rights and safety.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Secure cloud infrastructure (AWS, Google Cloud)
  • Regular security audits and penetration testing
  • Access controls and authentication measures
  • Employee training on data protection

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Services and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy. Published academic content is retained indefinitely as part of the scholarly record.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

  • Access to your personal information
  • Correction of inaccurate data
  • Deletion of your data (subject to retention requirements)
  • Data portability (export your data)
  • Opt-out of marketing communications
  • Withdrawal of consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@bostonresearch.org.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses where required.

9. GDPR Compliance

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our legal bases for processing include:

  • Performance of a contract (providing our Services)
  • Legitimate interests (improving Services, security)
  • Consent (marketing communications)
  • Legal obligations

10. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more information, see our Cookie Policy.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

  • Email: privacy@bostonresearch.org
  • Address: 240 Elm Street, 2nd & 3rd Floor, Somerville, 02144, MA, USA