The Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Last Updated: May 2026

Definition of AI Systems

In the context of scholarly publishing, we distinguish between Generative AI (GenAI), which produces original text and images, and AI-assisted tools used for non-content-generating tasks like reference management. While these technologies offer significant benefits, the Human Author remains the sole entity accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the research. AI systems do not possess the legal or ethical agency required for authorship.

Acceptable Use and Disclosure

Authors are permitted to use AI for refining grammar, improving stylistic clarity, or assisting in language translation. However, any such assistance must be explicitly disclosed in the manuscript’s Acknowledgments or Methods section. Specifically, authors should state the name of the tool and the company, confirming that they have reviewed and verified all AI-generated content for accuracy.

Authors are expected to carefully examine AI-generated outputs for potential factual inaccuracies, fabricated references, biased statements, or misleading interpretations prior to submission.

Scientific and Visual Integrity

The use of AI for scientific analysis is allowed provided the algorithms are validated and clearly described in the methodology. For visual materials, any AI-enhanced figures or graphs must be representative of the original data and explicitly labeled in the captions. To ensure authenticity, the editorial team reserves the right to request raw data and screen all submissions using AI-detection software.

The use of AI-generated images, illustrations, or graphical abstracts that may misrepresent experimental findings, manipulate scientific evidence, or create deceptive visual interpretations is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited Conduct and Confidentiality

Strict prohibitions apply to the fabrication of data or the generation of synthetic results via AI, both of which are treated as serious scientific misconduct. Furthermore, authors are forbidden from listing AI tools as co-authors. To protect intellectual property and participant privacy, manuscripts must never be uploaded to public AI platforms, as these systems often store and reuse submitted data.

Peer reviewers and editors are also expected to maintain confidentiality when using AI-assisted tools and must not upload confidential manuscript content into systems that may retain or distribute submitted materials.

Policy Enforcement

Transparency is the cornerstone of this policy. Failure to disclose the use of AI tools, or the discovery of substantial undisclosed AI-generated content, will result in immediate manuscript rejection or retraction. This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it remains aligned with the evolving landscape of scholarly publishing and ethical research practices.

ETFLIN reserves the right to conduct additional editorial assessments when AI-related concerns arise and may request clarification, revision history, supporting files, or further documentation from authors where necessary to verify compliance with this policy.