Confidentiality Protocols

ComputeX – Journal of Emerging Technology & Applied Science

At ComputeX, confidentiality is the foundation of ethical publishing. Every manuscript submitted represents original research and intellectual property that must be handled with the utmost care, discretion, and professionalism. These confidentiality protocols define the responsibilities of editors, reviewers, and staff to safeguard author content, maintain reviewer anonymity, and protect the integrity of the peer review process.

1. Confidentiality of Manuscripts

For Editors

  • All submitted manuscripts are treated as strictly confidential.

  • Editors may not disclose, discuss, or use any manuscript content outside the scope of editorial decision-making.

  • Unpublished data, methods, or concepts may not be exploited for personal or institutional research.

For Reviewers

  • Reviewers must regard all assigned manuscripts as confidential academic property.

  • Manuscripts may not be shown to colleagues, students, or external parties without prior permission from the ComputeX editorial office.

  • Any copies (digital or printed) must be securely deleted or destroyed immediately after the review is complete.

For Journal Staff

  • Access to manuscripts is restricted to staff members directly involved in editorial operations.

  • Staff must not discuss, share, or distribute manuscripts outside authorized systems.

  • All manuscripts must be handled only within secure journal platforms.

2. Confidentiality of the Peer Review Process

Double-Blind Peer Review

  • ComputeX follows a strict double-blind peer review model.

  • Author identities are removed before peer review begins.

  • Reviewer identities are concealed and never shared with authors or other reviewers.

  • Editors must ensure that uploaded review reports contain no personal identifiers.

Reviewer Identity Protection

  • The identity of a reviewer is confidential and protected by the journal at all stages.

  • Reviewer names are not disclosed to authors, other reviewers, or external organizations, unless explicitly authorized by the reviewer and the editorial board.

3. Confidential Correspondence

With Authors

  • All communications—including editorial decisions, revision instructions, and reviewer reports—are confidential.

  • Authors may not distribute reviewer comments or editorial letters without prior permission from the editor-in-chief.

With Reviewers

  • All correspondence with reviewers is confidential and must remain within official ComputeX channels.

  • Review reports shared with authors are fully anonymized to protect reviewer identity.

4. Data Protection and Secure Storage

System Access

  • Manuscripts and associated files are stored on secure, password-protected editorial systems.

  • Unauthorized access, downloading, or sharing is prohibited.

  • Editors, reviewers, and staff must keep login credentials confidential.

File Handling

  • Manuscripts must not be stored on shared or unsecured devices.

  • Cloud-based storage systems are only permitted if encrypted and pre-approved by the editorial office.

  • Any offline copies must be deleted immediately after use.

5. Post-Decision Confidentiality

Rejected Manuscripts

  • Manuscripts rejected during peer review remain strictly confidential.

  • Editors, reviewers, and staff must not use or cite rejected work.

  • Copies must be permanently deleted or destroyed.

Accepted Manuscripts

  • Once published, the article becomes part of the public record.

  • However, internal communications, reviewer reports, and editorial deliberations remain permanently confidential.

6. Handling Breaches of Confidentiality

Reporting Violations

  • Any suspected breach must be reported immediately to the editorial board.

  • Investigations will be carried out discreetly and corrective actions taken as required.

Consequences of Breach

  • Removal from reviewer/editorial positions

  • Revocation of access to journal systems

  • Formal reporting to affiliated institutions or oversight bodies

  • Possible sanctions under COPE guidelines

7. Commitment to Ethical Standards

ComputeX aligns its policies with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and other international standards of responsible publishing. Protecting confidentiality is not only a legal and ethical duty but also a critical part of ensuring that ComputeX remains a trusted platform for groundbreaking research in emerging technology and applied science.