Generative AI policies

The Use of Generative AI and AI-assisted Technologies in Manuscript Preparation

Overview

1. Introduction
The International Journal of Glocal Tourism (INJOGT) acknowledges the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, in academic publishing. These tools can assist in language refinement, data processing, and content generation, contributing to author productivity. However, their use must align with ethical principles, including academic integrity, originality, transparency, and accountability.

This guideline defines the journal's stance on the ethical and appropriate application of AI in scholarly manuscripts, aligning with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)’s standards and ongoing discussions on AI in editorial practices.

2. Scope and Definition
AI tools refer to software and platforms utilizing technologies like machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning to generate or modify text, data, images, or audio. This includes:

  • Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Qwen, etc.
  • Language and grammar tools like Grammarly, DeepL Write, Quillbot
  • AI-assisted data analysis and visualization software
  • AI tools for generating images, charts, or literature summaries
3. Permissible Use
Authors are permitted to use AI tools for the following purposes, provided they comply with academic standards:

  • Grammar and spelling correction
  • Enhancing language clarity and tone
  • Formatting citations and references
  • Assisting in preliminary literature searches
  • Supporting (not replacing) data analysis or visualization
  • Creating illustrative visuals, if ethically sourced and reviewed
Manuscripts must not exceed 20% AI-generated content as flagged by detection tools (INJOGT uses Turnitin AI detection). Authors must revise manuscripts if this threshold is exceeded.

For Authors

1. Prohibited Use
AI tools must not be used to:

  • Produce entire manuscripts or major content sections
  • Fabricate or manipulate data, images, or findings
  • Translate texts without human validation
  • Summarize or rephrase published works in ways that result in plagiarism
  • Generate content that infringes copyrights or uses third-party material without permission
2. Employing AI-generated and AI-supported technologies in academic writing
Please be aware that this policy applies solely to the writing process, and does not restrict the use of AI tools for analyzing or deriving insights from data as part of the research methodology.

When generative AI or AI-assisted technologies are used in the writing process, their use should be limited to enhancing the clarity, readability, and language of the manuscript. These tools must be used under human supervision, and authors are expected to carefully review and edit all AI-generated content. This is essential because AI may produce text that sounds authoritative but could be inaccurate, misleading, or biased. The final responsibility for the content remains with the authors.

Authors must clearly disclose the use of AI and AI-assisted tools in their manuscripts. A corresponding statement will be included in the published article. This disclosure promotes transparency and trust among all parties (readers, reviewers, editors, and contributors) and helps ensure compliance with the terms of use of the respective tools.

AI and AI-assisted technologies must not be credited as authors or co-authors, nor cited as such. Authorship entails responsibilities and contributions that only human individuals can fulfill. Each co-author is accountable for addressing any concerns regarding the accuracy or integrity of the work, must approve the final version, and must consent to its submission. Authors are also responsible for ensuring the originality of the content, that all listed contributors meet authorship criteria, and that the work does not violate any third-party rights. Authors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with our complete authorship and AI use policy.

3. Using generative AI and AI-assisted technologies for creating or modifying figures, images, and artistic content
The use of Generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create or modify images in submitted manuscripts is not allowed. This includes actions such as enhancing, removing, adding, shifting, or obscuring features within images or figures. However, basic adjustments like brightness, contrast, or color balance are permitted, provided they do not hide or alter any information from the original image. Submitted images may be examined using forensic tools or specialized software to detect potential irregularities.

An exception is made when AI or AI-assisted tools are integral to the research methodology, for instance, in AI-based imaging techniques used to generate or analyze data, such as in biomedical imaging. In such cases, the methods section must clearly and reproducibly describe how the AI tools were used. This should include the name, version, and developer of the AI tool, along with details of how it contributed to image creation or modification. Authors must follow the tool’s usage terms and ensure proper attribution. Editors may request original, unaltered images or composite raw data for review purposes.

Generative AI cannot be used to produce visual content like graphical abstracts. Use of AI-generated artwork for cover designs may be considered in special cases, but only with prior approval from the journal editor and publisher. In such cases, the author must confirm that all necessary rights have been secured and appropriate attributions are provided.

4. Author Accountability
Authors bear full responsibility for all manuscript content, including AI-assisted sections. This includes:

  • Verifying factual accuracy, originality, and the absence of bias or hallucinations
  • Disclosing sources or external data used or suggested by AI
  • Critically reviewing and editing all AI outputs
  • Ensuring the content meets disciplinary and scholarly standards
5. Authorship and Attribution
AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Only individuals who have significantly contributed to the research design, execution, or interpretation are eligible for authorship. Misattributing AI tools as contributors will result in manuscript rejection or retraction.

6. Disclosure Requirements
Any AI use beyond acceptable purposes must be transparently disclosed. Authors must specify:

  • The AI tool used (name, version, developer)
  • Its role and extent in manuscript preparation
  • A statement of review and accountability for all AI-generated content
7. Disclosure Placement in Manuscripts
Depending on the AI's function, disclosure should be included in:

  • Methods Section: if used for data analysis or figure generation
  • Acknowledgments Section: if used for language or formatting assistance
  • Declaration of AI Tool Usage: a separate section recommended for clarity, e.g.:

    "During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors utilized [AI tool name, version, developer] for [specific purpose]. All outputs were reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy and compliance with academic standards. The authors take full responsibility for the content presented."
For Reviewers

1. The use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the peer review process of the journal
When a researcher agrees to review another scholar’s manuscript, the document must be treated as strictly confidential. Reviewers must not upload the manuscript, in whole or in part, into any generative AI tool, as doing so may compromise the authors’ confidentiality, proprietary rights, and if the manuscript contains personally identifiable information violate data privacy regulations.

This obligation to maintain confidentiality also applies to the peer review report itself, which may contain sensitive details about the manuscript or its authors. Therefore, reviewers should not use AI tools to edit or enhance the peer review report, even for purposes such as improving clarity or grammar.

Peer review plays a central role in maintaining the integrity of the scientific process, and International Journal of Glocal Tourism (INJOGT) upholds the highest standards in this regard. The act of reviewing a scientific paper carries responsibilities that require human judgment. Generative AI or AI-assisted tools must not be used to evaluate the scientific content of a manuscript, as these tools lack the capacity for the critical thinking and nuanced evaluation that peer review demands. Moreover, they may produce content that is inaccurate, incomplete, or biased. Ultimately, the reviewer bears full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the peer review report.

For Editors

1. Utilization of generative AI and AI-assisted tools in the journal editorial process
Submitted manuscripts must be handled with strict confidentiality. Editors are not permitted to upload any part of a manuscript into a generative AI tool, as doing so may compromise the confidentiality and proprietary rights of the authors. If the manuscript contains personally identifiable information, such actions may also infringe upon data privacy laws.

This obligation to maintain confidentiality also applies to all related communications, such as decision letters or notifications, which may contain sensitive information about the manuscript or its authors. Therefore, editors must not use AI tools to process or enhance these communications, even for purposes like improving language or clarity.

Peer review is a cornerstone of the scientific publishing process, and International Journal of Glocal Tourism (INJOGT) upholds the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of editorial practice. Overseeing the editorial assessment of a manuscript involves responsibilities that require human judgment. Editors must not rely on generative AI or AI-assisted tools to support manuscript evaluation or decision-making, as these technologies are not capable of the critical thinking and nuanced judgment required for this role. There is also a risk that AI tools may produce misleading, biased, or incomplete conclusions. Editors remain fully responsible and accountable for managing the editorial process, making final decisions, and communicating outcomes to the authors.

2. Editorial Oversight
Editors and reviewers will evaluate AI disclosures during manuscript review. If improper or undisclosed AI use is identified, the International Journal of Glocal Tourism (INJOGT) journal may:

  • Request clarification
  • Reject the manuscript
  • Refer the case for institutional or ethical investigation
AI detection tools will be supplemented with human judgment and direct author communication.

3. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Violations of this policy may lead to:

  • Rejection at any review stage
  • Retraction after publication
  • Notification to the author's institution
  • Future submission bans in cases of severe or repeated misuse
4. Appeals
Authors may challenge decisions concerning the use of AI by submitting a formal appeal to the Editor-in-Chief, accompanied by supporting evidence and references to this policy. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as necessary.

5. Editorial Use of AI
The editorial team does not use AI for autonomous decision-making. Any future AI-assisted editorial practices will be disclosed and subject to human oversight.

6. Updates and Author Support
As AI technologies evolve, this policy will be periodically revised. Authors are encouraged to consult the latest version before submission and contact the editorial office for clarification if uncertain about compliance.