Privacy Policy

1. Scope

This Privacy Policy is part of our Terms of Use and explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use the Paperstars platform (https://paperstars.org). Any terms not defined here have the same meaning as in the Terms of Use.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following types of data:

  • Information you provide: name, email address, academic affiliation, research interests, publications, profile photo, and other content you submit to your profile.
  • Content data: ratings, reviews, comments, and any other contributions you make on the Platform.
  • Communication data: messages sent via contact forms or by email.
  • Usage data: pages visited, time spent on site, interactions with content.
  • Technical data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information.

3. How We Use Your Data

We process your data to:

  • Provide and personalise the Platform's features and services.
  • Showcase your public academic profile.
  • Recommend publications or content.
  • Respond to queries and support requests.
  • Notify you about updates, changes, or relevant events.
  • Conduct research and development to improve the platform.
  • Generate anonymous, aggregate scientific metrics for transparency and insight.
  • Build and maintain a peer reviewer database, where opted-in.
  • Collaborate with trusted partner organisations to offer perks or benefits.
  • Provide non-identifiable audience segments for ethical advertising and sponsorship opportunities (e.g., promoting open access publishers).

We process your data in compliance with the UK GDPR and only for legitimate purposes, including contractual performance, legal obligations, and our legitimate interest in improving scientific communication.

4. Sharing Your Data

We do not sell your data. We may share your data:

  • With service providers (e.g. IT support) under confidentiality agreements.
  • With government or law enforcement authorities if required by law.
  • With your consent, or where you choose to make data public (e.g. through a public profile, review, or comment).
  • With partner organisations where this is necessary to deliver optional services or perks you have opted into.
  • As aggregated, anonymised data that does not identify individuals.

5. International Transfers

We may store or process your data using service providers located in the UK, the EU, or other countries with appropriate safeguards in place. By using the Platform, you consent to the transfer and processing of your data outside the UK as necessary.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only for as long as necessary for the purposes stated above or to comply with legal obligations. You may request account deletion at any time.

Note: Public reviews and ratings may remain visible or archived for transparency and audit purposes, even after account deletion.

7. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correct inaccurate or outdated data.
  • Request deletion of your personal data.
  • Restrict or object to the processing of your data.
  • Request data portability (where applicable).
  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO): https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/

8. Security

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against loss, misuse, and unauthorised access.

9. Further Processing

If we need to use your data for a new purpose not covered in this policy, we will notify you and request your consent where required.