Privacy Statement
Contents
Introduction
This Privacy Statement applies exclusively to the Caucasus Journal of Social Sciences website and its editorial management system. By using the journal website, registering an account, or submitting a manuscript, users agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
The Caucasus Journal of Social Sciences, published by the University of Georgia, is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all users, including authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. Personal data are processed solely for legitimate academic and publishing purposes, in accordance with internationally recognized data protection principles, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Data Controller and Contact
The University of Georgia acts as the data controller for personal data processed through the journal.
For all data protection inquiries, requests, or concerns, users may contact:
cjss_editor@ug.edu.ge
Personal Data
The journal collects and processes personal data necessary for the operation of its editorial and publishing activities. These include:
- Names
- Email addresses
- Institutional affiliations
- ORCID iDs
- Other professional information provided during registration or manuscript submission
These data are used exclusively for:
- Manuscript submission and editorial processing
- Peer review management
- Communication with authors, reviewers, and editors
- Publication and dissemination of accepted articles
- Indexing, citation, and long-term preservation of scholarly content
Personal data may be stored within the journal’s editorial system and, where relevant, included in published articles as part of the permanent scholarly record.
ORCID and Research Identifiers
The journal supports the use of ORCID iDs to ensure accurate author identification and interoperability within scholarly communication systems.
Where provided:
- ORCID iDs are used solely for identification and metadata purposes
- Public ORCID data may be accessed in accordance with user privacy settings
- ORCID iDs may be included in article metadata and shared with DOI registration and indexing services as part of standard dissemination
Legal Basis for Processing
Personal data are processed based on:
- User consent (registration, submission, participation in peer review)
- Legitimate interest in managing editorial workflows and maintaining the scholarly record
- The necessity of ensuring transparency and integrity in academic publishing
Data Sharing
Personal data are not used for commercial purposes and are not sold or distributed to unauthorized third parties.
However, limited and relevant metadata may be shared with trusted services necessary for scholarly publishing, including:
- DOI registration agencies (e.g., Crossref)
- Indexing and abstracting services
- Digital archiving and preservation systems (CLOCKSS)
Such sharing is restricted to what is necessary for identification, citation, dissemination, and preservation of scholarly outputs. These services operate under their own data protection policies.
Data Retention
Certain personal data (including author names, affiliations, ORCID iDs, and publication metadata) is retained as part of the permanent scholarly record and cannot be removed without compromising the integrity and citability of published work.
Other personal data (such as user accounts and reviewer records) are retained only as long as necessary for editorial and operational purposes and may be updated, anonymized, or deleted upon request, where this does not conflict with publication ethics or record integrity.
Data Security
Personal data are managed through the journal’s editorial platform (Open Journal Systems, OJS), which incorporates appropriate technical and organizational safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration.
Access to personal data is restricted to authorized editorial staff and system administrators and is granted solely for operational and editorial purposes.
Website Use and Technical Data
The journal website may collect limited technical and non-identifiable information for statistical analysis, system administration, and improvement. This may include:
- IP addresses
- Browser type
- Operating system
- Access times
- Navigation data
These data are used exclusively to ensure the website's functionality, performance, and security and are not used for profiling or marketing.
What is a Cookie? Our Cookie Policy
A cookie is information stored on your device (desktop, laptop, mobile, etc.) by the websites you visit, in small text files. Cookies are often used to improve your experience on a website.
On the Journal website, cookies are used for technical and analytical purposes. By continuing to use the Journal website, you agree to the use of cookies described below.
- Technical Cookies: Cookies required for the website to work: Session cookies and language option cookies.
- Third-Party Cookies: No third-party cookies are currently used on the Journal website. It will be described under this heading when used. These third-party applications have their own privacy policies, and the Journal website is not responsible for the privacy policies of these third-party applications. You can review their privacy policies on their official websites.
Managing Cookies
Almost all Internet browsers have some settings for managing cookies. Most browsers are set to accept cookies in the initial setup. You can set your browser to alert you when all cookies are blocked, or a cookie is sent to your device. See the help section of the browser you use to find out how to do it or visit the official website.
Confidentiality and Peer Review
The journal operates a double-blind peer review system:
- Reviewer identities are kept confidential
- Editorial communications and review reports are restricted to authorized participants
- Personal data are accessed only by individuals directly involved in the editorial process
External Links
The journal website may contain links to external websites. This Privacy Statement applies only to the Caucasus Journal of Social Sciences website. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any linked websites.
User Rights
Users have the right to:
- Access their personal data
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of personal data where applicable
- Withdraw consent for data processing
Requests may be submitted via: cjss_editor@ug.edu.ge
Privacy Policy Updates
If necessary, we may update our Privacy Policy. The changes will be published on this page and are valid as of the publication date.
Please contact the Journal via this link with any questions or suggestions regarding the Privacy Policy.
