PAPALELE supports the responsible use of technology. This policy governs the use of generative AI and AI-assisted tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and similar) in the writing, review, and editing of manuscripts.

A. For Authors

1. AI tools cannot be listed as an author or co-author. Authorship requires responsibility, accountability, and approval of the work, which only humans can provide.
2. Authors are fully responsible for the entire content of the manuscript, including any parts produced with AI assistance. Authors must verify accuracy, originality, and the correctness of data, analysis, and citations.
3. Authors must clearly disclose the use of generative AI in the manuscript through an AI Usage Statement, placed before the References. The statement must give the tool name (and version), the purpose of use, and the parts of the manuscript affected.
4. Using AI to generate or manipulate research data, results, quotations, or references is not permitted. Authors must ensure every reference actually exists and can be verified, as AI may produce fabricated citations.
5. Figures, charts, and maps must not be created or altered with generative AI unless this is part of the research methodology and is described in detail.
6. Basic tools such as spelling and grammar checkers and reference managers do not need to be disclosed.
7. Authors must not upload unpublished manuscripts or sensitive data to public AI tools that may compromise confidentiality.

B. For Reviewers

1. Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not upload the manuscript, any part of it, or their review comments to generative AI tools.
2. Reviewers must not delegate scientific evaluation to AI. The assessment must be their own.
3. If AI is used only to improve the language of a review report, without entering manuscript content, the reviewer remains fully responsible for the report.

C. For Editors

1. Editors must keep manuscripts confidential and must not upload them to generative AI tools.
2. Editorial decisions must not be delegated to AI.
3. Editors may use plagiarism detection and other technical screening tools but remain responsible for final decisions.

D. Violations
Undisclosed AI use, or AI use that results in fabricated data, citations, or content, may lead to rejection, a request for revision, or, if already published, correction or retraction in accordance with PAPALELE’s Correction and Retraction and Publication Ethics policies.

This policy may be updated as technology and publication ethics practices evolve.