Privacy Statement

 

Privacy Statement

1. Data Controller

This journal portal is managed by the University of Costa Rica (UCR), a public higher education institution based in San José, Costa Rica.

2. Platform Used

The portal runs on Open Journal Systems (OJS), an open-source platform developed by the Public Knowledge Project (PKP). This tool manages the submission, review, editing, and publication of scientific and academic manuscripts.

3. Purposes of Processing

Personal data collected through the portal is processed for the following purposes:

  • Editorial and academic management, including manuscript submission and review, notifications, and communication between involved parties (authors, reviewers, editors).

  • User account administration.

  • Statistical analysis to improve site services.

  • Academic communication and scientific outreach.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Data processing is carried out based on:

  • The user's explicit consent upon registration or use of the site.

  • The University's legitimate interest in fulfilling its academic and scientific mission.

  • Compliance with a task carried out in the public interest, according to Article 6.1(e) of the GDPR.

5. Categories of Data Processed

Personal data collected may include:

  • Name, email address, institutional affiliation

  • Country, language, academic interests

  • IP address, access date, browser type, and operating system

  • Activity history within the OJS system

6. Cookies

This portal uses technical cookies necessary for the functioning of OJS. These cookies may include:

  • User session (OJSSID), which allows access and navigation within an active session.

  • Language or interface preferences.

  • Cookies for security or personalization functions.

Additionally, if the user accepts, third-party cookies associated with Google Analytics may be used to obtain aggregate statistics on site usage.

The user can configure their browser to refuse cookies, although this may affect system functionality.

7. Use of Google Analytics

This portal uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google Inc. Google Analytics uses cookies to analyze site usage. The information generated by these cookies (including IP, anonymized in this implementation) is transmitted and stored by Google on servers that may be located outside the European Economic Area.

The information is used exclusively to improve the user experience and for institutional statistical purposes. Processing is based on informed consent.

Users can disable tracking via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

8. Data Retention

Personal data will be retained as long as the user maintains an active account or for the time necessary to comply with legal or academic obligations. Data may be anonymized for statistical purposes.

9. Recipients and International Transfers

Data will not be disclosed to third parties, except as required by law. However, for services like Google Analytics or web hosting systems, there may be international transfers subject to safeguards such as standard contractual clauses under Article 46 of the GDPR.

10. Data Subject Rights

Users have the right to:

  • Access their data

  • Rectify or request erasure of their data

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Withdraw their consent at any time

  • Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise their rights, users can write to: revistas@ucr.ac.cr

11. Information Security

Appropriate technical and organizational measures are applied to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of personal data.

12. Updates

This statement may be modified to reflect changes in regulations or the portal's operation. Updates will be announced visibly on the site.