The International Journal of Surgical Nursing Therapeutics (IJSNT) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all users, including authors, reviewers, editors, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard information in accordance with internationally accepted academic publishing standards.

1. Information We Collect

The journal may collect the following types of information:

• Name, institutional affiliation, and contact details (email, phone number)
• Manuscript submission details, including files and metadata
• Reviewer and editorial correspondence information
• Website usage data such as IP address, browser type, and access timestamps

2. Use of Information

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

• Processing manuscript submissions and peer review
• Communicating with authors, reviewers, and editors
• Managing editorial workflow and publication records
• Improving journal services and website performance
• Ensuring compliance with publication ethics and indexing requirements

3. Data Confidentiality

• All submitted manuscripts and personal data are treated as strictly confidential
• Access is limited to authorized editorial staff and assigned reviewers
• Information is never shared for commercial or unauthorized purposes

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

The journal does not sell or misuse personal data. Information may only be shared in the following cases:

• With reviewers and editors involved in the peer-review process
• With indexing and abstracting services (e.g., CrossRef, DOAJ)
• When required by legal authorities or regulatory obligations
• With trusted service providers supporting journal operations

5. Data Security

Appropriate technical and organizational measures are implemented to:

• Prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure
• Secure manuscript files and personal data
• Maintain integrity of editorial and publication systems

6. Cookies and Website Usage

The journal website may use cookies to:

• Improve user experience
• Analyze website traffic and performance
• Support secure login and submission systems

Users may disable cookies through their browser settings if desired.

7. Third-Party Links

The journal website may contain links to external websites. IJSNT is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such external sites.

8. Retention of Data

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

• Editorial processing
• Publication record maintenance
• Compliance with indexing and archival requirements

9. Policy Updates

The journal reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Updates will be reflected on the journal website with the revised date.