Effective Date: 20 May 2026 | Last Updated: 20 May 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how GMJ News (news.gmj.ge), operated by the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG), collects, uses, and protects your personal data when you visit our website.
1. Who We Are
GMJ News is the medical news and analysis platform of the Georgian Medical Journal (GMJ), published by the Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG). Our journal website is gmj.ge.
Data Controller: Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG)
Contact: editor@gmj.ge
2. What Data We Collect
We collect minimal data necessary to operate the website:
Automatically collected: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, pages visited, date and time of visit. This data is collected through server logs and, where applicable, analytics tools.
Cookies: We use essential cookies required for website functionality. Third-party cookies may be set by embedded content (such as YouTube videos, social media widgets, or analytics services). You may control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
If you register an account: Username, email address, and display name. Registration is optional and not required to read articles.
If you leave a comment: Name, email address, website (optional), IP address, and browser user agent string.
3. How We Use Your Data
We use collected data to:
— Deliver and improve website content and functionality
— Analyse website traffic and readership patterns (aggregated, non-identifying)
— Prevent spam, abuse, and security threats
— Respond to enquiries sent to our contact address
— Comply with legal obligations
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. We do not use your data for targeted advertising.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data on the following legal bases under the Georgian Personal Data Protection Law and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
— Legitimate interest: Website analytics, security, and service improvement
— Consent: Cookies (where applicable), newsletter subscription, account registration
— Legal obligation: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
5. Third-Party Services
Our website may use the following third-party services that process data independently:
— Google Analytics (GA4): Website traffic analysis. Google Privacy Policy
— Pexels: Stock images used in articles. Pexels Privacy Policy
— Social media platforms: Embedded share buttons and links to Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Each platform has its own privacy policy.
— Blog2Social: Automated social media sharing of published articles.
We do not control data collected by these third-party services.
6. Data Retention
— Server logs: Retained for up to 12 months, then deleted
— Analytics data: Retained per Google Analytics default settings (14 months)
— User accounts: Retained until the user requests deletion
— Comments: Retained indefinitely unless removal is requested
7. Your Rights
Under the Georgian Personal Data Protection Law (Articles 15–22) and the GDPR, you have the right to:
— Access your personal data
— Request correction of inaccurate data
— Request deletion of your data
— Object to processing of your data
— Request data portability
— Withdraw consent at any time
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at editor@gmj.ge. We will respond within 30 days.
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including SSL/TLS encryption, secure hosting, access controls, and regular software updates. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
9. Children’s Privacy
GMJ News is not directed at individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us at editor@gmj.ge.
10. International Data Transfers
Our website is hosted in Georgia. If you access the website from outside Georgia, your data may be transferred to and processed in Georgia. By using the website, you consent to this transfer. Where data is processed by third-party services (such as Google Analytics), transfers may occur to jurisdictions outside Georgia and the EU, subject to those providers’ own safeguards.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
12. Contact
For any questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data:
Public Health Institute of Georgia (PHIG)
Email: editor@gmj.ge
Website: gmj.ge