Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Journal of Development and Social Sciences (JDSS) recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can support researchers and authors in certain aspects of academic work. At the same time, the use of AI must not compromise research integrity, originality, confidentiality, or the responsibility of authors.

This policy explains the acceptable and unacceptable use of AI in manuscript preparation, submission, peer review, and editorial work.

1. Acceptable Use of AI by Authors

Authors may use AI tools for limited and appropriate purposes, provided that they carefully check and approve the resulting material. Acceptable uses may include:

  • Correcting grammar, spelling, and language.
  • Improving the clarity and readability of academic writing.
  • Organizing references and citations.
  • Preparing outlines or summaries.
  • Assisting with data organization, coding, analysis, or visualization.
  • Supporting literature organization or information synthesis.
  • Improving limited portions of text under the authors' direct supervision.

AI should be used as a supporting tool. It must not replace the authors' own academic judgment, analysis, interpretation, or responsibility.

2. Verification of AI-Generated Content

Authors are responsible for checking all information produced with the help of AI.

Before submitting a manuscript, authors must verify:

  • Facts and statements.
  • Data and calculations.
  • References and citations.
  • Research findings and interpretations.
  • Tables, figures, and other research material.

AI tools can produce incorrect, incomplete, biased, or fabricated information. Authors must therefore not rely on AI output without appropriate human verification.

3. Disclosure of AI Use

Authors should disclose material use of AI in preparing a manuscript.

Where disclosure is required, authors should add a section titled “AI Use Statement” immediately before the References.

The statement should identify:

  • The name of the AI tool used.
  • The version, where available.
  • The purpose for which the tool was used.

Example

AI Use Statement: The authors used [AI Tool Name] to assist with language editing and manuscript organization. All AI-assisted material was reviewed and verified by the authors. The authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the manuscript.

If AI was used only for minor spelling or grammar assistance and the journal does not require disclosure for such limited use, a statement may not be necessary. Authors should disclose any substantial or material use of AI.

4. Author Responsibility

The use of an AI tool does not transfer responsibility from the authors.

Authors remain fully responsible for:

  • The originality of their manuscript.
  • The accuracy of the information presented.
  • The validity of the research.
  • The analysis and interpretation of findings.
  • All references and citations.
  • Compliance with research ethics.
  • Copyright and intellectual property requirements.
  • Protection of confidential or personal information.
  • Any content produced with the assistance of AI.

Authors must ensure that AI-assisted content does not introduce plagiarism, fabricated information, false references, misleading statements, or other academic problems.

5. AI and Authorship

AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a JDSS manuscript.

Authorship requires human responsibility for the research and the published work. AI systems cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, ethical conduct, or originality of a scholarly article.

6. Prohibited Uses of AI

Authors must not use AI tools to:

  • Fabricate or falsify research data or results.
  • Create false references, quotations, sources, or evidence.
  • Misrepresent AI-generated material as independently produced scholarly work.
  • Manipulate images, figures, tables, or research results in a misleading manner.
  • Hide plagiarism or avoid plagiarism-detection systems.
  • Misrepresent the methods, findings, or conclusions of a study.
  • Breach confidentiality or privacy.
  • Violate copyright or intellectual property rights.
  • Circumvent the journal's peer-review or publication requirements.
  • Engage in any other practice that compromises research integrity.

7. Confidentiality and Sensitive Information

Authors should not enter confidential, unpublished, proprietary, personal, or sensitive research information into public AI systems unless they are satisfied that such use is permitted and adequately protected.

Particular care should be taken with:

  • Personal information of research participants.
  • Confidential interview material.
  • Unpublished research data.
  • Proprietary institutional information.
  • Manuscripts under review.
  • Information protected by law or agreement.

Authors remain responsible for complying with applicable institutional, legal, ethical, and data-protection requirements.

8. AI Use by Editors and Reviewers

Editors and reviewers must protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts.

They should not upload confidential manuscript content, reviewer reports, or other unpublished material into an AI system that may retain, learn from, or disclose that information without appropriate safeguards and authorization.

Editors and reviewers who use AI for limited administrative or language-related assistance remain responsible for maintaining confidentiality and complying with JDSS editorial policies.

AI must not replace the editor's or reviewer's independent academic judgment.

9. Editorial Review of AI Use

JDSS may ask authors for additional information about their use of AI when necessary.

The Editorial Board may assess whether the reported use of AI is consistent with the journal's publication ethics and research-integrity requirements.

Failure to provide a reasonable explanation when requested may be considered during the editorial assessment.

10. AI-Generated Images and Other Materials

Authors must clearly identify and appropriately disclose the use of AI-generated or AI-modified images, figures, or other visual material where such use is relevant to the research.

AI-generated material must not be used to create a false or misleading representation of research evidence.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that the use of such material does not violate copyright, licensing, privacy, or other applicable rights.

11. Consequences of Misuse

If JDSS identifies serious misuse of AI or failure to comply with this policy, the journal may take appropriate action, including:

  • Requesting clarification or additional information.
  • Requiring correction of the manuscript.
  • Rejecting the manuscript.
  • Publishing a correction or editorial notice.
  • Retracting a published article where serious problems are confirmed.
  • Informing the relevant institution or funding body where appropriate.

The action taken will depend on the nature and seriousness of the issue.

12. Responsibility for Ethical Use

AI technology may assist scholarly work, but it cannot replace responsible research practices.

JDSS expects authors, editors, and reviewers to use AI carefully, transparently, and in a way that protects academic integrity, confidentiality, and the reliability of scholarly research.

13. Policy Review

JDSS will review this policy periodically to reflect changes in AI technology, research practices, publication ethics, and internationally recognized standards of scholarly publishing.

Effective Date: 01-06-2026

Approved by: Editorial Board, Journal of Development and Social Sciences (JDSS)