Confidentiality Protocols

At the International Journal of Advanced and Innovative Research (IJAIR), the confidentiality of manuscripts, reviewer reports, and editorial correspondence is of paramount importance. All editors, reviewers, and staff are required to adhere to strict protocols to protect intellectual property, maintain the integrity of the peer review process, and safeguard sensitive information.

1. Confidentiality Responsibilities

Editors

  • All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential intellectual property.

  • Editors must not disclose, distribute, or discuss any part of a submission—including data, findings, or supplementary materials—outside the editorial team and assigned peer reviewers.

  • Unpublished content must never be used for personal research or institutional purposes.

Reviewers

  • Manuscripts must be treated as strictly confidential. Reviewers must not:

    • Share, copy, or store content in any form (print or digital)

    • Discuss the manuscript with third parties without editorial authorization

  • All materials must be securely deleted or disposed of after completing the review.

Journal Staff

  • Administrative staff handling manuscripts are bound by confidentiality agreements.

  • Access to the manuscript submission system is restricted to authorized personnel.

  • All content handling must follow secure journal protocols.

2. Confidentiality in the Peer Review Process

Double-Blind Protocol

  • IJAIR operates a double-blind peer review system.

  • Editors must ensure all author-identifying details (e.g., names, affiliations, acknowledgments) are removed before sending manuscripts to reviewers.

Reviewer Anonymity

  • Reviewer identities remain confidential and must not be disclosed to authors or other reviewers.

  • Editors are responsible for maintaining system settings and communication practices that protect reviewer anonymity at all times.

3. Confidential Correspondence

Author Communications

  • All editorial correspondence with authors—including review reports, revision requests, and final decisions—must be handled confidentially.

  • Only authorized editorial staff may access or send such communications. Forwarding reviewer comments or emails without proper approval is strictly prohibited.

Reviewer Communications

  • Correspondence with reviewers must also be treated as confidential.

  • Editorial instructions and manuscript details must not be shared beyond the intended reviewer.

  • Reviewer comments provided to authors must be anonymized.

4. Data Security and Document Handling

Access Control

  • Only authorized users may access the IJAIR manuscript management system.

  • Editors, staff, and reviewers are responsible for protecting login credentials and following best practices for secure access.

Secure Storage and Handling

  • Manuscript files handled outside the system must be stored in secure, password-protected environments.

  • Files must not be saved on public or unsecured devices.

  • Sharing content with unauthorized individuals is strictly prohibited.

5. Post-Decision Confidentiality

Rejected Submissions

  • Rejected manuscripts and related review reports must remain confidential.

  • No part of the content may be reused, referenced, or disclosed.

  • Locally stored copies should be deleted or archived in accordance with journal policy.

Published Articles

  • Published content becomes publicly accessible; however, all records related to the peer review process—including reviewer identities, editorial discussions, and decision rationales—must remain confidential indefinitely.

6. Breach of Confidentiality

Investigation and Response

  • Any suspected or confirmed breach of confidentiality will be promptly investigated by the editorial office.

  • Affected parties will be informed, and remedial actions will be taken to prevent further violations.

Consequences

  • Violations may result in disciplinary measures, including:

    • Removal from the reviewer or editorial board

    • Restriction of access to the submission system

    • Notification of the violator’s institution, if appropriate

These protocols reflect IJAIR’s commitment to ethical publishing, professional responsibility, and the integrity of the peer review process. Full compliance is expected from all contributors, and adherence will be monitored as part of the journal’s editorial governance.