1. Guiding Principle
The journal acknowledges the potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies as supportive tools in academic research and writing, provided that their use is subject to:
- effective human oversight
- critical control
- full intellectual responsibility
Under no circumstances may these tools replace:
- academic judgment
- legal reasoning
- intellectual authorship
2. Author Responsibility
Authors are fully responsible and legally accountable for the content of their manuscript, including any use of GenAI.
This includes the obligation to:
- verify the accuracy, completeness, and impartiality of any AI-generated content
- carefully review:
- arguments
- data
- references (given the risk of fabrication)
- ensure that the final manuscript reflects an authentic intellectual contribution
3. Permitted Uses (with Human Oversight)
AI tools may be used to support:
- content organization
- preliminary literature synthesis
- language improvement and readability
- technical writing assistance
4. Prohibition of Cognitive Substitution
The following are not permitted:
- delegating legal reasoning to AI systems
- accepting AI outputs without critical verification
- using AI as an authoritative source
5. Transparency and Mandatory Disclosure
Authors must include a section titled:
“Statement on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence”
This statement must specify:
- the tool used
- purpose of use
- extent of involvement
- level of human oversight
Example:
“The author used [tool name] to assist with text organization. All content has been critically reviewed, and the author assumes full responsibility.”
If no artificial intelligence has been used, the author must declare that artificial intelligence was not used in the preparation of the manuscript.
6. Data Protection and Intellectual Property
Authors must ensure that:
- no confidential or sensitive data are input into AI tools
- the use of AI does not infringe:
- third-party rights
- intellectual property
- confidentiality obligations
Authors must also verify that:
- the AI tool does not acquire rights over submitted content
- no restrictions are imposed that could limit publication
7. Figures, Images, and Visual Materials
In line with international standards:
Not permitted:
- generating or altering images using AI tools
- modifying substantive elements of figures
Permitted:
- minor technical adjustments (brightness, contrast) that do not alter meaning
Exception:
- when AI is part of the research methodology, and its use is fully described in a reproducible manner
8. Authorship
- AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors
- AI tools cannot be cited as authors
Authorship implies:
- responsibility
- accountability
- ability to approve the final version
9. Use of AI in the Peer Review Process
Reviewers
Reviewers must not:
- upload manuscripts into AI tools
- use AI to generate or assist in peer review reports
Rationale:
- confidentiality
- integrity of the review process
- risk of bias or error
Editors
Editors must not:
- use AI tools to make editorial decisions
- upload manuscripts into external AI systems
Editors may:
- use secure internal tools for:
- plagiarism detection
- technical checks
10. Institutional Use of AI in the Editorial Process
The journal may use AI tools to support:
- technical screening
- research integrity checks
- workflow optimization
Always under:
- human supervision
- confidentiality safeguards
- bias monitoring
11. Identified Risks (Differentiating Feature)
The journal explicitly recognizes the following risks associated with GenAI:
- epistemic opacity
- automation of legal reasoning
- erosion of authorial responsibility
- algorithmic bias
Accordingly, a heightened standard of academic diligence is required.
12. Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
- rejection of the manuscript
- retraction of published work
- institutional notification