Privacy Policy

OAPA Privacy Policy

The Open Access Publishing Association (OAPA) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected through its publishing and training activities. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and the measures we take to keep it secure, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

  1. Information We Collect
    We collect only the information necessary to operate our journals and training services, including:
    • Author and reviewer details – name, email, institutional affiliation, ORCID iD, and professional information.
    • Manuscripts, peer review reports, and editorial decisions processed through Open Journal Systems (OJS).
    • Learning participation data (for editor and reviewer training) collected through Moodle.
    • System and technical data such as IP address, browser type, and login timestamps for security and performance monitoring.
  2. Purpose of Collection
    Information is collected to manage manuscript submission and peer review, publish scholarly work, maintain publication records, deliver training, and communicate with authors, reviewers, and editors. Data is used only for these purposes and is never sold or shared with unauthorised parties.
  3. Storage and Security
    All data are stored on secure servers hosted in Australian data centres managed by VentraIP, which maintain ISO 27001–aligned physical and network controls. Transmission between users and our systems is encrypted using TLS/SSL, and regular backups are performed to ensure data integrity and availability.
  4. Third-Party Services
    OAPA works with a limited number of trusted service providers, including DOI registration agencies, indexing services, and plagiarism detection systems. Only the minimum necessary information is shared, and all partners must meet equivalent privacy and security standards.
  5. Access and Correction
    Individuals may request access to, or correction of, their personal information by contacting OAPA. We will respond promptly in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
  6. Contact
    Questions or privacy requests can be directed to:
    secretary@open-publishing.org or
    Open Access Publishing Association, 28a Brisbane St, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
  7. Policy Updates
    This Privacy Policy is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance with legal and ethical standards and to reflect any operational changes within OAPA or its journals.

Version 1.0 – Approved by OAPA President, 27 October 2025. This policy applies to all OAPA journals and training platforms.