Privacy Statement

Our Commitment to Privacy

Heighpubs Otolaryngology and Rhinology (HOR) is committed to protecting the privacy of authors, reviewers, editors, and readers. We comply with international data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), COPE guidelines, and other best practices in academic publishing.

Information We Collect

HOR may collect personal information directly from users during registration, submission, review, or browsing activities. This includes:

  • Name, affiliation, and professional contact details
  • Email addresses for communication and account management
  • Manuscript metadata and submission records
  • Peer review comments and editorial decisions
  • Website analytics (IP addresses, cookies, browsing data)

How We Use Your Information

  • To manage manuscript submission, peer review, and editorial workflows
  • To communicate with authors, reviewers, and editors
  • To ensure compliance with ethical publishing practices
  • To provide website functionality and improve user experience
  • To fulfill indexing, archiving, and metadata requirements

Data Protection and Security

HOR implements technical and organizational measures to protect data, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), secure servers, and role-based access. Only authorized editorial staff have access to personal data.

Third-Party Services

HOR may share metadata with trusted partners such as CrossRef (for DOI registration), DOAJ (for indexing), and PKP Preservation Network (for archiving). No personal data is sold or disclosed for commercial marketing.

Cookies Policy

HOR uses cookies to enhance user experience, remember preferences, and analyze site traffic. Users may disable cookies in browser settings, though some site functions may be limited.

Data Retention

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for publishing purposes and legal compliance. Manuscript and peer review records are stored for archival and accountability purposes.

Rights of Data Subjects

In line with GDPR and global standards, individuals have the right to:

  • Access their personal data
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion ("right to be forgotten")
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Data portability (receive a copy in structured format)

Example: An author may request deletion of their account after publication, but HOR retains manuscript and peer review history for academic integrity and COPE compliance.

Children’s Privacy

HOR content and services are intended for academic professionals. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16 years of age.

Changes to this Policy

HOR may update its privacy statement to reflect legal, regulatory, or operational changes. Updated policies will be posted on this page, with effective dates noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you share reviewer identities?

No, HOR maintains strict confidentiality in peer review. Reviewer identities remain anonymous unless explicit consent is given.

Can I delete my personal information?

Yes, you can request deletion, subject to our obligation to preserve academic records of manuscripts and peer reviews.

Do you use tracking or targeted advertising?

No, HOR does not use personal data for advertising purposes. Analytics are limited to website performance and security.

Contact Information