Privacy Statement

# Privacy Statement

**Last Updated: January 2025**

Next Journals, a subsidiary of Next Global Health Consulting Inc., is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our users, authors, reviewers, editors, and visitors. This Privacy Statement outlines our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, and disclosing information collected through our journals and associated services.

## Information We Collect

### Personal Information
- **Account Information**: Name, email address, institutional affiliation, and professional credentials
- **Author Information**: Contact details, biographical information, ORCID iD, and institutional affiliations
- **Reviewer Information**: Areas of expertise, review history, and professional affiliations
- **Payment Information**: For processing publication fees and subscriptions (processed through secure third-party providers)

### Non-Personal Information
- **Usage Data**: Browser type, access time, and pages viewed
- **Device Information**: IP address, operating system, and device type
- **Analytics Data**: Site navigation patterns and user preferences

## How We Use Your Information

### Primary Uses
- Managing manuscript submission and peer review processes
- Facilitating communication between authors, reviewers, and editors
- Processing publication fees and maintaining subscription records
- Sending relevant notifications about manuscript status and journal updates
- Preventing fraud and ensuring research integrity

### Secondary Uses
- Improving our services and user experience
- Generating aggregated statistical data
- Complying with legal obligations and professional standards
- Marketing our services (with explicit consent)

## Data Protection

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:
- Encrypted data transmission using SSL technology
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Restricted access to personal information
- Secure data storage systems
- Regular staff training on data protection

## Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:
- Journal editors and reviewers (as necessary for peer review)
- Third-party service providers (e.g., manuscript submission systems, payment processors)
- Legal authorities (when required by law)
- Affiliated organizations within Next Global Health Consulting Inc.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

## Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Request corrections to your data
- Opt-out of marketing communications
- Request data deletion (subject to legal and operational requirements)
- Object to certain data processing activities
- Receive your data in a portable format

## Cookie Policy

We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Maintain user sessions
- Remember user preferences
- Analyze site usage
- Improve site functionality

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

## International Data Transfers

As a Canada-based organization, we comply with applicable data protection laws when transferring data internationally. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers.

## Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

## Changes to This Privacy Statement

We may update this Privacy Statement periodically. Significant changes will be notified through:
- Email notifications
- Website announcements
- Journal communications

## Contact Information

For privacy-related inquiries or concerns, please contact:

Privacy Officer  
Next Journals  
[Address]  
Alberta, Canada  
Email: [privacy@nextjournals.com]  
Phone: [phone number]

Governing Law

This Privacy Statement is governed by the laws of Alberta, Canada, and applicable federal laws of Canada.

Your Acceptance

By using our services, you accept the practices described in this Privacy Statement. If you do not agree with this statement, please discontinue use of our services.