AI Use Disclosure Policy

This policy explains how authors must disclose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the preparation of manuscripts submitted to MATAI: International Journal of Language Education. It applies to all submissions and to all AI-assisted tools used at any stage of the writing process.

1. Scope

This policy covers generative AI and AI-assisted technologies, including but not limited to large language models (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini), AI writing assistants, AI translation tools, AI paraphrasing or text-editing tools, and AI tools that generate or edit images, figures, code, or data visualisations.

2. Principles

• AI tools cannot be listed as an author. Authorship requires responsibility and accountability that only human authors can assume. Only human authors are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the work.
• Authors are fully responsible for all content produced with the assistance of AI tools, including verifying facts and checking for plagiarism.
• AI use must be transparent. Any use of AI tools that materially influenced the research or the writing must be disclosed.
• AI tools must not be used to fabricate or manipulate research data, results, images, or references.

3. How to disclose

Authors must include an AI Use Disclosure statement in the manuscript, in a dedicated section before the References (or, where more appropriate, within the Methods or Acknowledgements). The statement should:

• name the AI tool(s) and version used;
• describe the purpose and extent of use (for example language editing, translation, literature search, or drafting);
• state which parts of the manuscript were affected; and
• confirm that the authors have reviewed and take full responsibility for the final content.

If no AI tools were used, authors should state: “No AI tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript.”

4. Disclosure at submission

When submitting a manuscript, authors must confirm in the submission checklist that any AI use has been disclosed as described above. A brief note may also be added in the Comments to the Editor.

5. Reviewers and editors

Reviewers and editors must not upload submitted manuscripts to AI tools that may store or share the content, as this could breach confidentiality. Any use of AI-assisted tools in the review or editorial process must comply with the journal’s confidentiality requirements.

6. Non-compliance

Failure to disclose AI use may result in the manuscript being returned, rejected, or, in serious cases, retracted.