Privacy Statement

1. Introduction

Applied Linguistics: Research, Measurement and Practice (ALRMP) is committed to maintaining the privacy, integrity, and security of personal data collected through the journal’s online submission and publishing platform. This policy explains what information is collected from users (authors, reviewers, readers, and editorial staff), how it is used, how it is protected, and under what conditions it may be disclosed. The journal operates under the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability, following the standards of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

2. Information We Collect

The journal collects personal and technical information required to facilitate its editorial and publishing operations. This includes:

Registration Data

  • Name, institutional affiliation, country, and email address
  • Username and password (encrypted)
  • Role within the system (author, reviewer, reader, editor)
  • Optional identifiers such as ORCID iD

Submission Data

  • Details entered during manuscript submission (title, abstract, keywords, author information, funding data, references, and acknowledgments)
  • Supplementary files or datasets provided by the author

Communication and Peer Review Data

  • Reviewer reports, editorial decisions, correspondence, and workflow notes stored within the OJS system

Technical and Analytical Data

  • IP addresses, browser type, access time, and interaction logs
  • Cookies used for login sessions and website functionality
  • Aggregated usage statistics to improve performance and monitor readership

The journal does not collect sensitive personal data (e.g., financial, political, health, or biometric information).

3. Purpose of Data Processing

Personal data are processed exclusively for legitimate scholarly and administrative purposes, including:

  • Managing article submissions, reviews, and editorial workflows
  • Communicating with authors, reviewers, and editors
  • Publishing accepted articles and metadata
  • Enabling indexing, citation linking, and dissemination through third-party databases (e.g., CrossRef, DOAJ, Scopus, Google Scholar)
  • Improving user experience and journal functionality through anonymised analytics
  • Complying with legal and ethical obligations relating to archiving, copyright, and the integrity of the scholarly record

No personal data are used for marketing or unrelated commercial activities.

4. Data Access and Disclosure

Access to user data is strictly limited to authorised individuals involved in the journal’s management, editorial, and technical support roles. Information may be shared in the following limited circumstances:

  • With indexing and abstracting services to register and disseminate published work
  • With third-party providers supporting journal hosting, DOIs, and metadata management (e.g., CrossRef, PKP)
  • When legally required by competent authorities under applicable law

The journal does not sell, lease, or otherwise disclose personal information to external organisations for any form of advertising or commercial gain.

5. Confidentiality in the Editorial Process

All manuscripts submitted to ALRMP are treated as confidential documents. Editors, reviewers, and editorial staff are required to preserve confidentiality regarding manuscript content and associated data. Reviewers’ identities remain anonymous unless they voluntarily disclose them. Author identities and related information are disclosed only after acceptance and publication. Editorial communications are securely stored within the journal’s system.

6. Data Retention

The journal retains user and submission data as part of its permanent scholarly record. Retention periods follow these principles:

  • Published manuscripts and metadata are archived indefinitely for citation and indexing purposes.
  • Reviewer and editorial records are retained for a minimum of five years after decision.
  • Inactive user accounts may be anonymised or deleted upon request, provided this does not compromise the published record.

7. Data Security

The hosting platform employs industry-standard measures to protect against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction of data. These include:

  • Encrypted transmission (HTTPS)
  • Secure server storage with restricted administrative access
  • Regular backups and data integrity checks
  • Role-based access controls within the OJS environment

While all reasonable security measures are applied, the journal acknowledges that no online system can be completely risk-free.

8. Cookies and Web Analytics

Cookies are used to maintain authenticated sessions, improve navigation, and record anonymous usage metrics. These cookies do not store personal data. Aggregated statistical data (e.g., page views, downloads, geographic access) may be analysed to improve journal services and demonstrate readership impact. Users can adjust browser settings to disable cookies, although this may affect site functionality.

9. Rights of Data Subjects

Users have the right to:

  • Access and review their personal information stored in the system
  • Request correction of inaccurate or outdated data
  • Request deletion of their user account, subject to preservation of published records
  • Withdraw consent to receive notifications or announcements
  • Raise concerns regarding data handling by contacting the editorial office

All requests will be addressed promptly and in compliance with applicable law.

10. Data Transfers and Compliance

Data entered on this site may be processed on servers located in jurisdictions other than the user’s home country. By registering or submitting, users consent to the transfer of their data for legitimate journal operations. The journal adheres to GDPR principles of lawfulness, fairness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, and accuracy.

11. Changes to This Policy

The journal reserves the right to update or revise this Privacy Policy as necessary to reflect operational or regulatory changes. Updates will be posted on the journal’s website, and users are encouraged to review the policy periodically.

12. Contact Information

For questions, requests, or concerns regarding data protection, please contact:

Dr Mohammad Hamad Al-Khresheh
Editor-in-Chief, Applied Linguistics: Research, Measurement and Practice (ALRMP)
Email: editor@alrmp.com