The Journal Computer and Technology is committed to handling complaints and appeals fairly, transparently, confidentially, and in a timely manner. The journal considers complaints an opportunity to review its editorial practices and maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

Complaints and appeals will be assessed objectively and without discrimination or retaliation against the person submitting them in good faith. The journal follows recognized publication ethics principles, including relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Complaints may concern, but are not limited to:

• the conduct or fairness of the editorial or peer review process;
• unreasonable delays in editorial handling or publication;
• possible conflicts of interest involving editors, reviewers, or authors;
• alleged breaches of publication ethics or research integrity;
• authorship, plagiarism, data integrity, or other publication-related concerns;
• the journal’s policies, procedures, or published content; and
• the professional conduct of journal editors, reviewers, or staff.

Concerns about a published article may also be handled under the journal’s Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern Policy, where appropriate.

Complaints should be submitted in writing to the journal’s official editorial contact. The complaint should include, where possible:

• the complainant’s name and contact information;
• the manuscript or article title and relevant submission or publication details;
• a clear description of the concern;
• relevant dates, correspondence, or supporting evidence; and
• the outcome or action being requested, if applicable.

The journal may request additional information when necessary to assess the complaint. Anonymous complaints may be considered when sufficient information or evidence is provided to permit a meaningful assessment.

The journal will acknowledge receipt of a complaint when contact information is available. An editor or other authorized person will assess whether the complaint falls within the journal’s responsibility and determine the appropriate procedure.

Complaints should be handled promptly and proportionately. If a matter requires consultation, additional evidence, or referral to another responsible body, the journal will inform the complainant when appropriate.

The journal will review complaints impartially and, where necessary, seek relevant information from the parties involved. The journal may consult an independent editor, subject expert, or other appropriate person if the complaint concerns a potential conflict of interest or the conduct of the editor responsible for the matter.

The journal will:

• consider the information and evidence provided by all relevant parties;
• maintain confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible;
• provide an opportunity to respond when a complaint raises concerns about a person’s conduct;
• document the assessment and its outcome; and
• communicate the decision or next steps to the complainant, where appropriate.

The journal may take corrective or other appropriate action when a complaint is substantiated.

Authors may appeal an editorial decision if they believe that a material error, misunderstanding, procedural irregularity, or relevant evidence affected the decision.

An appeal must be submitted in writing and should:

• identify the manuscript and the decision being appealed;
• explain the specific grounds for the appeal;
• respond to the substantive reasons for the decision; and
• provide any relevant supporting information or evidence.

An appeal should not merely repeat the original submission or express disagreement without providing a reasoned basis for reconsideration.

Appeals will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or an authorized editor who was not responsible for the original decision, where feasible. If the appeal concerns the Editor-in-Chief or a potential conflict of interest, the journal will seek an independent assessment.

The journal may uphold the original decision, reconsider it, request further review, or take another appropriate action. The journal’s appeal decision is final within the journal, subject to any applicable external procedures.

Submitting an appeal does not guarantee that the manuscript will be reconsidered or accepted.

The journal will handle complaints and appeals confidentially, subject to the requirements of a fair assessment and applicable legal or ethical obligations.

The journal will not tolerate retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. However, knowingly submitting false or malicious allegations may itself be subject to appropriate action.

If a complaint concerns the conduct of an editor, reviewer, or member of the journal’s staff, it should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief or another appropriate editorial authority. If the complaint concerns the Editor-in-Chief, it should be directed to the journal’s publisher or designated independent representative.

The person whose conduct is the subject of the complaint will not be solely responsible for deciding the outcome of that complaint.

Where a complaint involves suspected research misconduct, serious ethical violations, or matters beyond the journal’s authority to investigate, the journal may refer the matter to the relevant institution, research organization, or other responsible body.

The journal may also take editorial action to protect the scholarly record while an external investigation is ongoing.

The journal will maintain appropriate records of complaints, appeals, investigations, and outcomes. Such records will be handled confidentially and retained in accordance with the journal’s record-management practices and applicable requirements.

This policy may be reviewed and updated to reflect changes in publication ethics guidance and the journal’s editorial procedures.