Terms of Use for the JMIR Karma Reviewer Rewards Program

Effective Date: Feb 4th, 2026

Welcome to the JMIR Karma Program ("Program"), operated by JMIR Publications ("JMIR," "we," "our," or "us"). The Program is designed exclusively to reward and recognize the valuable contributions of our peer reviewers.

By participating in the Program, you agree to these Terms of Use ("Terms"). Please read them carefully.

BY ACCEPTING THESE TERMS, AS DETAILED IN THE SECTION ENTITLED DISPUTE RESOLUTION, BINDING ARBITRATION, AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER BELOW, YOU AGREE TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, OUR PRIVACY POLICY, DATA SECURITY, OR DATA PRIVACY THROUGH BINDING ARBITRATION, AND YOU AGREE TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHTS TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT.

BY ACCEPTING THESE TERMS, YOU ALSO AGREE TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY, LOCATED AT https://jmir.org/privacy-statement, WHICH IS INCORPORATED INTO THESE TERMS AND MAY BE UPDATED FROM TIME TO TIME.

Program Description. The Program is an innovative system that rewards productive members of the scientific community for high-quality peer review contributions. Participants receive Karma Points that have no cash value and the redemption of Karma Credits (as defined below) on an individual basis for their own account. The Program emphasizes meaningful recognition and rewards activities that directly support timely and high-quality peer review.

For more information on receiving and calculating points, or redeeming credits, please visit the knowledge base articles located on JMIR.org.

1. Eligibility

1.1. Participation in the Program is voluntary. Eligibility is limited to individuals who contribute to JMIR specifically in the role of Peer Reviewer. 

1.2. Participants must be at least 18 years old and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

1.3. JMIR reserves the right to determine eligibility and deny participation to anyone at its sole discretion.

1.4 Participants must adhere to all JMIR Research Integrity policies when providing their contributions. Breaches of these policies may void future eligibility for participation in the Karma Program. 

2. Enrolment and Agreement

2.1. Participation in the Program is voluntary and requires explicit consent. You may enroll in the Program by registering for an account and affirmatively opting into these Terms and the associated Privacy Policy.

2.2. By participating, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms and acknowledge our Privacy Policy, which governs how we collect and use your personal information.

3. Earning Karma Points

3.1. Points ("Karma Points") are earned exclusively through peer review contributions and related activities listed on https://jmir.org/karma/description, which currently include, but are not limited to:

• Completing a peer review: 90 Karma Points.

3.2. Quality Requirement: Points will only be awarded for reviews that are deemed of satisfactory quality by the editor or staff. Specifically, Karma Points will not be awarded if the review has been rated 1-2 stars.
3.3. Accrual Timing: Karma Points are only awarded once a peer review has been completed and the final editorial decision (e.g., accept or reject) has been made on the manuscript.
3.4. Limitations: Karma Points are awarded only for the first review per manuscript and are not awarded retroactively for activities completed while the Program was previously paused (before the Effective Date of these Terms).
3.5. The number of Karma Points awarded for each activity is subject to change at JMIR's discretion. Reward amounts are awarded independent of the editorial outcome of a manuscript.

4. Using Karma Credits

4.1. Karma Credits are the spendable form of Karma Points, automatically issued to a user’s account whenever new Karma Points are earned. Each Karma Credit is valued at $1 USD and may be applied toward eligible JMIR services. While Karma Points represent a user’s total lifetime points and do not expire, the corresponding Karma Credits expire 24 months after issuance.

Karma Credits may be redeemed, subject to availability, toward the cost of the following JMIR services:

• Discounts on Article Processing Charges (APCs).
• Fast-Tracking submissions.
• Knowledge Translation Services/add-ons.

4.2. No Cash Redemption: Karma Points or Credits cannot be exchanged for cash. They cannot be transferred to another person, sold, or redeemed for JMIR Merchandise unless explicitly specified by JMIR.
4.3. Participants are solely responsible for any tax implications associated with the accrual or redemption of Karma Credits as non-cash compensation or awards.
4.4. JMIR reserves the right to modify the redemption options and point values at any time.

5. Expiration and Forfeiture of Credits

5.1. Expiration: Karma Credits expire after 24 months from the date they are earned unless otherwise specified.

5.2. Misconduct Forfeiture: Karma Points and Karma Credits may be immediately forfeited and permanently revoked if:

• The participant is found to have violated these Terms, engaged in fraud, or abused the Program.
• The participant has engaged in ethical misconduct or non-compliance with publishing standards/ethical guidelines.

6. Participant Responsibilities and Recognition

6.1. Participants are responsible for keeping their contact information up to date and monitoring their Karma Points balance through the JMIR platform.

6.2. Participants acknowledge and agree to abide by generally accepted publication ethics and best practices (including those set forth by COPE).

6.3. Participants may be subject to regular internal audits of their reward accrual data and associated editor ratings for audit purposes, which includes identifying potential ethical misconduct, preventing fraud, and ensuring research integrity.

7. Modification and Termination

7.1. Right to Modify: JMIR reserves the right to modify these Terms or the Program, including changing point accrual rates, redemption options, and credit value, at any time.

7.2. Notice of Changes: Significant changes, especially those that change the value of Karma Credits or substantially alter the Program, will be communicated via email or prominent notice on the JMIR website. Continued participation in the Program after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

7.3. Termination: JMIR reserves the right to terminate the Program at any time for any reason. Participants will be notified in advance, and any unused Credits must be redeemed before the termination date, subject to any legally required grace periods. JMIR is not liable for any loss of benefits resulting from the termination of the Program.

8. Limitation of Liability and Warranties

8.1. JMIR is not responsible for errors, delays, or technical issues that impact the earning, conversion, or redemption of Points or Credits.

8.2. To the fullest extent permitted by law, JMIR disclaims all warranties related to the Program and limits liability for damages arising from participation.

9. Dispute Resolution

9.1. Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution: For any and all Disputes, you must first give us an opportunity to resolve your Dispute by sending a written description of your Dispute to support@jmir.org.

9.2. Any disputes related to the Program that cannot be resolved informally will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with Ontario law.

9.3. Participants waive their right to a jury trial or to participate in class action lawsuits.

10. Contact Information

For questions about the Program, please contact JMIR at support@jmir.org or by mail at the address provided in the Privacy Policy.

By participating in the JMIR Karma Program, you agree to abide by these Terms. Thank you for your contributions to the JMIR community.