Generative AI Use Policy
The Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies (JECS) supports transparency and integrity in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative chatbot tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and similar) in research and publication.
1. Permitted Use
✓ Permitted Authors may use AI tools only for language editing and improving readability of manuscripts, under full human oversight.
2. Prohibited Use
✗ Prohibited AI or chatbot tools must not be used for:
- Generating research data, analysis, or results
- Writing any substantive part of the manuscript
- Generating references or citations (which may be fabricated or inaccurate)
- Creating or altering images, figures, or artwork (except where explicitly part of the research methodology)
Generative AI tools must not be cited as authors or listed in the reference list. AI-generated text or images cannot replace original scholarly contributions.
3. Disclosure Requirement
Any use of AI or chatbot tools must be declared in the Acknowledgements section of the manuscript, including:
- The name of the tool used (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude)
- The purpose and extent of its use
- A confirmation that the author reviewed and edited all AI-generated content
Suggested statement: "During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [TOOL NAME] for [PURPOSE]. After using this tool, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication."
Basic checks of grammar, spelling, and punctuation do not require disclosure.
4. Author Responsibility
Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work. This includes:
- Verifying all AI-generated content for factual accuracy and bias
- Ensuring proper attribution of all sources
- Safeguarding data privacy and intellectual property rights
- Checking the terms and conditions of any AI tool used
5. Confidentiality for Editors and Reviewers
Editors and reviewers must not upload manuscripts, reviews, or any part thereof into AI or chatbot systems. This protects author confidentiality, proprietary rights, and data privacy. Peer review reports must not be generated or refined using AI tools, as the critical thinking and original assessment required for peer review cannot be delegated to AI.
This policy is aligned with international guidelines from COPE, WAME, Elsevier, and DOAJ on generative AI in scholarly publishing.
Last updated: March 2026 • Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies (JECS)