Policy on Artificial Intelligence Use and Disclosure
Journal of Public Representative and Society Provision recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI tools, can support research and scholarly writing. The journal requires transparent and responsible use of these technologies while maintaining human accountability, research integrity, confidentiality, and accurate reporting.
AI Use by Authors
Authors may use AI tools to support activities such as language editing, translation, idea exploration, literature classification, and coding assistance. Any use must involve appropriate human oversight. Authors must critically evaluate AI outputs, correct inaccuracies, and verify all statements, citations, and references before submission. AI assistance must not replace the authors’ responsibility for developing the scholarly argument, selecting appropriate research methods, interpreting findings, and drawing conclusions supported by evidence. AI-generated text or code must undergo rigorous review and revision.
Authorship and Accountability
AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors because they cannot assume responsibility for the manuscript, approve publication, disclose conflicts of interest, or enter into copyright and licensing agreements. All named authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, validity, and integrity of the submitted work, including any content developed with AI assistance.
Disclosure Requirements
Authors must disclose the use of generative AI in the manuscript under a separate heading titled “Declaration of Generative AI Use,” placed before the references unless the journal’s submission instructions specify another location.
The declaration must identify:
- The full name of each AI tool and its provider.
- The version or model used, where available.
- The specific tasks performed and the manuscript sections affected.
- The purpose of using the tool.
- The human review and verification undertaken.
If the version or model cannot be identified, authors should state this and provide the date or period of use.
When AI is used as part of the research methodology, authors must also describe its application in the Methods section. The description should provide sufficient information to assess the procedure and support reproducibility, including relevant settings, prompts, validation procedures, and limitations, where applicable.
Research Data, Images, and Figures
Authors must not fabricate research data, results, quotations, participants, or references using AI. Synthetic data must not be presented as observed or collected data. Where synthetic data are legitimately part of the study design, their generation, purpose, and validation must be clearly documented in the Methods section. AI must not be used to create or alter research or clinical images in ways that misrepresent the underlying evidence. This includes adding, removing, concealing, or changing features that affect scientific interpretation. AI-assisted conceptual illustrations, diagrams, and data visualizations may be considered when their use is disclosed, their accuracy is verified, and they faithfully represent the underlying information. Relevant figure captions must identify AI assistance.
Confidentiality, Privacy, and Intellectual Property
Authors must ensure that their use of AI tools complies with applicable ethical approvals, consent requirements, data protection obligations, and intellectual property rights. Confidential, personally identifiable, or restricted information must not be entered into an AI system without appropriate authorization and safeguards. Authors must assess the tool’s terms of use, including provisions concerning data storage, reuse, and model training.
Editorial Assessment and Noncompliance
Disclosure of AI use does not automatically disqualify a manuscript from consideration. Submissions are assessed on their scholarly quality, methodological rigor, originality, and compliance with this policy. The journal may request clarification or supporting documentation concerning AI use. Undisclosed use, fabricated content, misleading reporting, or breaches of confidentiality may result in further investigation, rejection, or appropriate post-publication action. Authors will be given an opportunity to respond to concerns.
Sample Declaration: Language Assistance
“During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [tool name, provider, and version/model] for English language editing and grammatical correction to improve clarity and readability. The authors reviewed and revised all AI-assisted text and take full responsibility for the final manuscript.”
Sample Declaration: Broader AI Assistance
“During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [tool name, provider, and version/model] to assist with [specific tasks] in [relevant sections], with the aim of [purpose]. The authors critically reviewed and revised all AI-assisted content and verified the relevant information, citations, and references. Any methodological application is described in the Methods section. The authors take full responsibility for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of the final manuscript.”
Declaration When Generative AI Was Not Used
“The authors declare that no generative AI tools were used in conducting the research or preparing this manuscript.”
