Privacy Statement

The Journal of Ancient Chinese Arts and Crafts (JACAC), published by Michelangelo Scholar Publishing Ltd(MSPL), is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all individuals who interact with the journal, including authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and website visitors. This privacy statement explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information.

1. Purpose of Data Collection

Personal data collected by the journal is used exclusively for the following legitimate purposes:

  • Editorial Management: To process manuscript submissions through peer review, editorial assessment, revision, and publication.
  • Communication: To facilitate necessary correspondence between authors, editors, reviewers, and journal staff throughout the editorial and publication process.
  • Identity Verification: To verify author identities, affiliations, and credentials to maintain academic integrity.
  • Service Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and gather feedback to enhance our platform, processes, and user experience.

2. How We Collect Data

  • Registration and Accounts: When you create an account on our platform, we collect personal information provided in registration forms, including name, email address, institutional affiliation, research interests, academic credentials, and ORCID identifier.
  • Manuscript Submission: During submission, we collect manuscript files, metadata, author information, co-author details, funding declarations, competing interest statements, ethical approvals, and data availability statements.
  • Editorial Communications: We collect correspondence between authors, editors, and reviewers related to submissions, including decision letters, reviewer comments, author responses, and editorial notes.
  • Automated Collection: We use cookies, log files, and analytics tools to collect information about website interactions, including IP addresses, browser types, device information, and navigation patterns.
  • Surveys and Feedback: We periodically collect information through voluntary surveys and feedback forms. Participation is optional.
  • Professional Relationships: Information is collected when you serve as a reviewer, join our editorial board, or participate in journal-sponsored activities.

3. Data Use and Sharing

Personal data is used only for the purposes described above and is not sold, rented, or traded to third parties. Data may be shared with:

  • Editorial board members and peer reviewers in the course of manuscript evaluation (under strict confidentiality obligations).
  • The publisher (MSPL) provides administrative and technical support.
  • Third-party service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics) who process data on our behalf under appropriate contractual protections.
  • Legal authorities if required by applicable law.

4. Data Retention

Personal data associated with published manuscripts is retained as part of the permanent scholarly record. Data associated with rejected or withdrawn manuscripts is retained for a reasonable period to support editorial integrity and then securely deleted. Account data is retained as long as the account remains active.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and staff training.

6. Your Rights

In accordance with applicable data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you.
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legitimate record-keeping requirements).
  • Object to or restrict the processing of your data.
  • Withdraw consent for data processing at any time.

7. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and collect anonymous usage data. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies; however, some website features may not function properly without them.

8. Changes to This Statement

This privacy statement may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The most current version will always be available on the journal’s website.

9. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Statement or your personal data, please contact the editorial office at jacac@michelangelo-scholar.com.