1. Introduction
Helios Discovery Journal ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our visitors and users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website heliosjournal.space and use our services.
By accessing or using our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please discontinue use of our website immediately.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Fill out contact forms on our website
- Subscribe to our newsletter or communications
- Submit article proposals or research collaborations
- Correspond with our editorial team via email
This information may include:
- Name and professional title
- Email address
- Institution or organizational affiliation
- Research interests and expertise
- Any other information you choose to provide
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:
- IP address and approximate geographic location
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website or source
- Date and time of visit
2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, though disabling cookies may limit certain website functionality.
Types of cookies we use:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website operation
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- To process and evaluate article proposals and collaboration requests
- To send newsletters, updates, and communications (with your consent)
- To improve our website content, structure, and user experience
- To analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- To ensure website security and prevent fraudulent activity
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in website operations, analytics, or communications (subject to confidentiality obligations)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request
- Protection of Rights: To enforce our Terms of Service, protect our rights and property, or ensure user safety
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notification to affected users)
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize information sharing
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encryption of data transmission (SSL/TLS)
- Secure server infrastructure
- Access controls and authentication procedures
- Regular security assessments and updates
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
- Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
- Data Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service
- Objection: Object to certain types of processing
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time
To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@heliosjournal.space. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.
8. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites operated by third parties. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
9. Children's Privacy
Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website after changes indicates acceptance of the revised policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Helios Discovery Journal
Oude Sterrenwacht 7
Leiden, The Netherlands
Email: info@heliosjournal.space
Phone: +31 71 890 4728