The Academic Journal of Agriculture Sciences (AJAS) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all users, including authors, reviewers, editors, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how personal and manuscript-related information is collected, used, stored, and protected by the journal.

1. Information We Collect

AJAS may collect the following information:

• Full name, institutional affiliation, and contact details (email address, phone number if provided)
• Manuscript submission details, including files, metadata, and author information
• Reviewer and editorial communication records
• Login credentials for authors, reviewers, and editors
• Technical data such as IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage logs

2. Use of Information

Collected information is used strictly for academic and editorial purposes, including:

• Managing manuscript submission and peer review processes
• Communicating with authors, reviewers, and editors
• Maintaining publication records and journal operations
• Improving website functionality and user experience
• Ensuring compliance with ethical publishing standards and indexing requirements

3. Data Confidentiality

AJAS ensures strict confidentiality of all submitted data:

• Manuscripts are accessible only to authorized editorial staff and assigned reviewers
• Reviewer identities remain confidential under the double-blind peer review system
• Personal information is not shared, sold, or used for commercial purposes
• Submitted research is not used for any unauthorized benefit or misuse

4. Data Protection and Security

The journal implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect data against:

• Unauthorized access or disclosure
• Data loss, misuse, or alteration
• Cybersecurity threats and system breaches

Access to sensitive information is strictly limited to authorized personnel only.

5. Cookies and Website Usage

The AJAS website may use cookies to:

• Improve user experience and website functionality
• Monitor traffic and usage analytics
• Maintain secure login sessions
• Enhance submission and review systems

Users may disable cookies through browser settings, although some features may not function properly.

6. Third-Party Services

The journal may use trusted third-party services such as:

• Hosting providers
• Analytics tools
• Indexing and archiving platforms

These services are used strictly for operational purposes and are bound by confidentiality agreements.

7. Data Retention

Personal and manuscript-related data is retained only as long as necessary for:

• Manuscript processing and publication workflow
• Academic record maintenance
• Archiving and indexing requirements

After this period, data may be securely archived or deleted.

8. User Rights

Users have the right to:

• Access their personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of personal data (subject to publication requirements)
• Withdraw consent where applicable

Requests may be submitted through the official journal contact email.

9. Policy Updates

AJAS reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be published on the journal website to ensure transparency and compliance with best practices.

10. Contact Information

For any privacy-related concerns, users may contact the editorial office of the Academic Journal of Agriculture Sciences (AJAS) through the official journal communication channels.