Introduction

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses advanced machine learning models to learn patterns from existing data and create outputs that resemble real-world data. AI tools can generate diverse types of content, including text, images, and audio. Examples include ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Prezi, Scribe, Bard, DALL-E, and Chatsonic. While Generative AI offers potential to boost creativity for authors, it also presents risks and ethical challenges, such as generating inaccurate content and compromising the confidentiality and intellectual property of data. This AI policy presents a clear framework for the ethical use of AI for authors, reviewers, editors, readers, and contributors.

Authors

• Authors are responsible for the originality, validity, and integrity of their submissions. AI-assisted tools may be used solely for enhancing language and readability, not as a replacement for the writing process. Authors should carefully review and edit the output, as AI can produce authoritative-sounding results that may be incorrect, incomplete, or biased.
• The use of AI for language purposes must be appropriately acknowledged with an AI usage statement upon submission, explaining what was used and how it was used, and stating that the author takes full responsibility for ensuring that the content is accurate, unbiased, and does not infringe any copyright or other legal restrictions.
• Authors may not submit manuscripts that utilise AI tools in ways that replace essential researcher and author responsibilities, as Generated AI cannot be listed as an author. This includes instances such as generating text or code without thorough revision, creating unverifiable references and generating synthetic data without due methodological processes. AI may not be used to produce any inaccurate content, including abstracts or supplemental materials. These cases may be subject to editorial investigation and the rejection of such manuscripts.

Peer Reviewers and Journal Editors

• Peer reviewers and editors must not upload files, images or information from unpublished manuscripts into Generative AI systems, as it may pose a risk to the confidentiality and proprietary rights of the data. Additionally, if the manuscripts contain personal details about the authors, it can breach the privacy policy of the journal.
• Reviewers may use AI tools to assist in plagiarism detection and language editing. However, these tools must not replace human judgment and generate review content. To further ensure the integrity and transparency of the review process, such use should be disclosed to the editorial team.
• Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies should not be used by editors to assist in the evaluation or decision-making process of a manuscript. The critical thinking and assessment required for this work are beyond the capabilities of such technology. Moreover, there is a risk that the technology may produce incorrect, incomplete, or biased conclusions regarding the manuscript.