Policy on AI and LLMs
Policy on Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models
1. Purpose and Scope
This policy governs the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) across all aspects of the ETHIOINQUIRY publishing framework: manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial operations. It applies to all authors, peer reviewers, and editorial board members. This policy will be reviewed annually to remain aligned with COPE, ICMJE, and the broader scholarly publishing community.
2. AI Authorship Prohibition
Large Language Models and generative AI tools shall not be listed as authors or co-authors. This prohibition is grounded in three principles: Accountability (AI systems cannot be held legally or ethically responsible), Legal Capacity (AI tools lack the standing to sign declarations or enter copyright agreements), and Intellectual Attribution (authorship recognizes substantial human intellectual contribution).
3. Permitted and Restricted Uses by Authors
| Permitted (No Disclosure Required) | Permitted (Disclosure Required) | Prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| Grammatical and spelling correction of human-authored text. | Generation of any new textual content, arguments, or interpretations. | AI-generated images, figures, or visualizations in research articles. |
| Minor stylistic improvements to readability of human-authored text. | AI-assisted literature search or synthesis. | Listing AI as an author or co-author. |
| Formatting and referencing assistance. | Translation of sections of the manuscript. | Fabrication or falsification of sources, data, or findings. |
4. Disclosure Requirements
Where AI tools are used beyond basic copy-editing, authors must include the following statement in the Acknowledgements section:
STANDARD AI DISCLOSURE TEMPLATE: "During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [TOOL NAME, VERSION] for [SPECIFIC PURPOSE]. After using this tool, the author(s) reviewed and edited all AI-assisted content and take full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the published work."
5. Reviewer and Editor Prohibitions
To protect the confidentiality and proprietary nature of the peer-review process, reviewers and editors are strictly prohibited from uploading submitted manuscripts, review reports, or associated editorial correspondence into any generative AI system. Violation constitutes a serious breach of confidentiality and will result in removal from the reviewer pool and potential institutional notification.
6. Compliance and Consequences
Non-disclosure of AI use constitutes a breach of the Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement. Depending on severity and intent, consequences may include: desk rejection, retraction of published articles, formal notification to the corresponding author's institution, and/or publication of an Expression of Concern pending investigation.