Information We Collect

We may collect both personal and non-personal information depending on how you interact with our Website and editorial services.

Personal Information

Personal information may include, but is not limited to:

• Full name
• Institutional affiliation
• Email address
• Postal address
• Telephone number
• ORCID iD
• Academic qualifications
• Manuscript details
• Reviewer and editorial information
• Billing and payment information for Article Processing Charges (APCs)
• Correspondence submitted through email or online forms

Non-Personal Information

We may automatically collect technical information such as:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Device information
• Pages visited
• Date and time of access
• Referring website
• Cookies and similar technologies

This information helps us improve website functionality, security, and user experience.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process manuscript submissions
• Manage peer review and editorial workflows
• Communicate with authors, reviewers, editors, and readers
• Publish accepted articles
• Process Article Processing Charges (APCs)
• Verify author identities and affiliations
• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Improve our editorial and publishing services
• Maintain website security and prevent fraudulent activities
• Send important editorial announcements and publication updates
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

We process personal information only for legitimate publishing and operational purposes.

Manuscript and Publication Information

Information submitted during manuscript submission, peer review, and publication may be retained as part of the permanent scholarly publishing record. Author names, affiliations, correspondence details, ORCID identifiers (where provided), acknowledgements, funding information, conflicts of interest, and published article metadata may become publicly available upon publication as part of the scholarly record.

Reviewer Confidentiality

Reviewer identities and peer review reports are handled confidentially unless an alternative peer review model is explicitly adopted by the Journal. Reviewers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts and all associated editorial communications.

Cookies

Our Website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember user preferences
• Improve website performance
• Analyze website traffic
• Enhance browsing experience
• Maintain security

Users may disable cookies through their browser settings. However, some Website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

Information Sharing

Annals of Surgery Open does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties. We may share information only when necessary:

• With editorial staff and editors involved in manuscript processing
• With reviewers for peer review purposes
• With trusted service providers supporting our publishing platform
• With payment processors for APC transactions
• When required by applicable law, court order, or governmental authority
• To protect the legal rights, security, or integrity of the Journal

Any third-party service providers are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and data security standards.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

While we strive to protect all information transmitted through our Website, no internet transmission or electronic storage method can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Maintain the scholarly publishing record
• Fulfill contractual obligations
• Meet legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our publishing policies

Published article metadata and author information may remain permanently available as part of the scientific record.

Your Rights

Subject to applicable laws, you may have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request updating of personal information
• Request deletion of information where legally permissible
• Object to certain processing activities
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

Requests may be submitted using the contact information provided below.

Third-Party Websites

Our Website may contain links to external websites, publishers, indexing services, repositories, social media platforms, or other third-party resources.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of external websites. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit.

Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for researchers, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and individuals aged 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

International Users

As an international scholarly journal, personal information may be processed in countries where our editorial offices, publishing partners, hosting providers, or service providers operate. By using our services, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information where necessary for publication and editorial operations.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

Annals of Surgery reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised Effective Date. Continued use of the Website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact:

Editorial Office Annals of Surgery (ANNALSOPEN)
Website: www.aosopen.com
Email: info@aosopen.com

The Editorial Office will make reasonable efforts to respond promptly to privacy-related inquiries and requests.