AI Generated Content Policy

1. Purpose

IJERT recognizes the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in research and academic writing. This policy ensures that AI is used responsibly, ethically, and transparently, while maintaining the integrity, originality, and credibility of published work.

2. Definition

AI-generated content refers to any text, figures, data, code, or analysis produced or significantly assisted by AI tools such as large language models (e.g., ChatGPT), image generators, or automated data-processing systems.

3. Permitted Use of AI

Authors may use AI tools only as supportive aids, including:

• Language editing (grammar, clarity, readability)
• Formatting and structuring assistance
• Code suggestions or debugging support
• Literature organization or summarization (with verification)

4. Prohibited Use of AI

The following uses are strictly not allowed:

• Generating entire manuscripts or substantial sections without human intellectual contribution
• Fabricating or manipulating data, results, or citations
• Creating fake references or unverifiable sources
• Misrepresenting AI-generated content as original human work
• Using AI in peer review or editorial decision-making without authorization

5. Mandatory Disclosure

• Authors must disclose any use of AI tools in the manuscript.
• Disclosure should be included in a separate section titled:
  “Declaration of AI Assistance”
• The statement must specify:
  • Name of the AI tool used
  • Purpose of use (e.g., language editing, code assistance)
• Example:

“The authors used AI-based tools (e.g., ChatGPT) for language refinement and clarity. All scientific content, analysis, and conclusions are solely the responsibility of the authors.”

6. Authorship and Accountability

• AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors
• Authors remain fully responsible for:
  • Accuracy of content
  • Originality and integrity
  • Proper citation and avoidance of plagiarism

7. Data Integrity and Verification

• Any AI-assisted outputs must be:
  • Carefully reviewed and validated by the authors
  • Supported by credible and verifiable sources
• Authors must ensure that:
  • No hallucinated or incorrect information is included
  • All references are authentic and properly cited

8. Plagiarism and Ethical Compliance

• AI-generated content is subject to standard plagiarism checks
• Manuscripts must comply with IJERT’s:
  • Publication ethics
  • Anti-plagiarism policies
• Undisclosed AI usage or misuse may lead to:
  • Manuscript rejection
  • Retraction of published articles
  • Blacklisting of authors

9. Reviewer and Editor Guidelines

• Reviewers and editors should not upload confidential manuscripts to AI tools
• AI tools must not be used to generate peer review reports without explicit approval
• Confidentiality and data privacy must be strictly maintained

10. Policy Enforcement

IJERT reserves the right to:

• Request clarification regarding AI usage
• Reject or retract submissions violating this policy
• Update this policy in line with evolving ethical standards

11. Conclusion

IJERT supports the ethical and transparent use of AI to enhance research quality, while ensuring that human intellectual contribution remains central to scholarly publication.