Privacy Statement

The Arghand Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS) respects and protects the privacy of all users, authors, reviewers, and readers. This Privacy Policy explains how AJSS collects, uses, and safeguards personal information submitted to or collected by the journal.

AJSS operates under the ethical standards of COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) and adheres to Afghan cultural and Islamic values.

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1. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all data collected through:
✅ Manuscript submissions
✅ Peer review processes
✅ User interactions with the AJSS website
✅ Email communications with the editorial office

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Phase 1: Data Collection

1.1 Information We Collect

AJSS may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Full name, email address, and institutional affiliation (for authors, reviewers, and editors)
  • Manuscript details (title, abstract, keywords, and associated data)
  • IP addresses and browser information (when accessing the website)

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Phase 2: Use of Information

✅ 2.1 Purpose of Data Use

Collected information is used for:

  • Managing manuscript submissions and peer review
  • Communicating with authors, reviewers, and editors
  • Maintaining the scholarly record and journal archives
  • Improving user experience on the AJSS website

2.2 Prohibited Uses

AJSS does not sell, rent, or share personal data with third parties for marketing or commercial purposes.

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Phase 3: Data Protection and Confidentiality

3.1 Security Measures

AJSS implements technical and organizational measures to secure personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

3.2 Confidentiality of Manuscripts

  • All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential documents.
  • Editors and reviewers are prohibited from using manuscript content for personal advantage.

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Phase 4: Sharing of Information

4.1 Limited Disclosure

Personal data may be shared only:
✅ With editorial staff, reviewers, or publishers directly involved in the publishing process
✅ When required by law or legal proceedings
✅ To investigate ethical misconduct, in alignment with COPE guidelines

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Phase 5: Data Retention

  • AJSS retains personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy.
  • Authors and reviewers may request deletion of their personal data after manuscript processing is complete, unless retention is required by academic or legal obligations.

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Cultural and Ethical Sensitivity

AJSS ensures all data handling practices respect Afghan cultural norms and Islamic ethical standards.

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Contact for Privacy Concerns

For questions or requests regarding your personal data, please contact:

alimr.212@gmail.com
CC: rpashtoon@hotmail.com
Editorial Office – AJSS, Kandahar University

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Review and Updates

This Privacy Policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in technology, law, and academic best practices.