Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Scholar's Net ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your personal information when you use our platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data transparently and responsibly. By using the Platform, you consent to the practices described here.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

• Account information: name, email address, username, and password (stored in hashed form).
• Profile information: biography, affiliations, field of study, avatar, and external research identifiers you choose to add, such as ORCID.
• Content you submit: publications, abstracts, references, comments, and questions.
• Usage data: pages viewed, actions taken, and interaction metrics such as views and citations.
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies necessary for authentication and security.
• Communications: messages you send us through the contact form or support channels.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Platform and your account;
• Display your profile and publications to other users as part of the service;
• Calculate and present metrics such as citation counts and research statistics;
• Communicate with you about your account, updates, and support requests;
• Improve, personalize, and secure the Platform;
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security incidents;
• Comply with legal obligations.

3. Legal Bases for Processing

Where applicable law (such as the EU/UK GDPR) requires it, we process your personal data on the following legal bases: performance of a contract (providing the service you signed up for), your consent (which you may withdraw at any time), our legitimate interests (such as improving and securing the Platform), and compliance with legal obligations.

4. Public Information

By design, Scholar's Net is a networking and publishing platform. Your profile, publications, affiliations, and linked research identifiers are intended to be visible to other users and, in some cases, to the public and search engines. Please only share information you are comfortable making public. You can edit or remove much of this information from your profile at any time.

5. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies that are strictly necessary for authentication (keeping you logged in) and security. We do not use these essential cookies for advertising. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling essential cookies may prevent you from using parts of the Platform.

6. How We Share Information

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

• With other users, as part of the public/networking features described above;
• With service providers who help us operate the Platform (for example, email delivery for the contact form), under appropriate confidentiality obligations;
• When required by law, legal process, or to protect the rights, safety, and security of our users and the Platform;
• In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to this Policy.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service. We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes such as resolving disputes and enforcing our agreements. When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, correct, update, or delete your personal data; to object to or restrict certain processing; to data portability; and to withdraw consent. You can exercise many of these rights directly through your account settings, or by contacting us. We will respond to requests in accordance with applicable law.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including password hashing and access controls. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored in countries other than your own. Where we transfer personal data across borders, we take steps to ensure it receives an adequate level of protection in accordance with applicable law.

11. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from them. If you believe a child has provided us personal data, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

12. Third-Party Services

Your profile may link to third-party services such as ORCID. Those services have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices. We encourage you to review their policies.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will update the "Last updated" date and, for material changes, provide additional notice where appropriate. Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us.