EASE/EC Joint Discussion Forum

GDPR and privacy in journal publishing: good practice for submission and peer review processes


Finalised report document is now available on the EASE website
GDPR, Privacy and Integrity in Journal Publishing: Good Practice for Submission and Peer Review Processes


In October 2019, EASE hosted a discussion forum in collaboration with the European Council addressing the impact and implementation of GDPR compliance within the publishing industry.

The forum featured presentations, breakout sessions and panel discussions.

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has profoundly affected the way personal data are used, especially how to protect the growing amount of personal information available online from the use for harmful purposes. GDPR has affected research, for example the legal regulation of the use of health data for research purposes and has profound implications for scientific publishing.

Whilst GDPR in relation to journal customer data is relatively clear, there remain uncertainties about how it affects the editorial processes and requirements: how do we protect privacy but remain free to ensure the submission, review and commissioning process work smoothly? Are the challenges of GDPR different for the commercial publishers and big journals compared to the challenges for small, scholarly journals and publishers?

These issues are important but complex and sensitive and we need clarity and direction and, above all, dialogue with different stakeholders in scientific publishing. The European Association of Science Editors (EASE), as the major organization of scientific editors in Europe, is dedicated to efforts to promote transparency in research and to promoting public discussion about challenges to scientific publishing. Together with the DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, the Discussion Forum on GDPR and scientific publishing looked at solutions for compliance that fit both large and small journals and publishers.

A summary of the day’s proceedings were produced by Prof Ana MARUŠIĆ, former President of The European Association of Science Editors (EASE), University of Split, School of Medicine, Croatia

A full finalised report, compiling all discussions from the event, and presenting recommendations for action is published on the EASE website, in a document titled: GDPR, Privacy and Integrity in Journal Publishing: Good Practice for Submission and Peer Review Processes