AI Usage Policy

ACED · Advances in Communication & Economic Development

ACED recognizes the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research and scholarly publishing. This policy outlines the acceptable use of AI technologies by authors, reviewers, and editors to ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability. It applies to all AI-assisted writing tools, large language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot), image generators, and data analysis algorithms.

1. Author Guidelines for AI Use

Authors may use AI tools to assist with writing (e.g., language polishing, grammar checking, reference formatting), data analysis, or literature searches. However, the following conditions apply:

• Disclosure required: Authors must declare the use of any AI tool in the manuscript's "Acknowledgements" or "Methods" section, specifying the tool name, version, and purpose.
• No AI authorship: AI tools cannot be listed as co‑authors. All authors must take full responsibility for the content, including any AI‑generated portions.
• Accuracy and originality: Authors are responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality, and lack of plagiarism of AI‑generated text or data. AI output may contain errors or hallucinations.
• Prohibited uses: AI shall not be used to generate fake data, manipulate citations, bypass ethical standards, or create misleading content.

2. Reviewer Restrictions on AI

Reviewers are strongly discouraged from using AI tools to generate reviews or analyze confidential manuscripts. Uploading a manuscript (or its excerpts) into an AI system may violate confidentiality and data protection policies.

• If a reviewer uses AI for minor language assistance, they must declare it to the editor.
• The core evaluation of originality, methodology, and conclusions must be performed by the reviewer personally.
• Reviewers should never upload the full manuscript or any identifiable portions to public or open AI systems.

3. Editorial Use of AI

Editors may employ AI for plagiarism detection, citation verification, or similarity screening (using tools like iThenticate), but final decisions on manuscript acceptance or rejection must be made by humans.

• AI cannot be used to automate peer review assignments in a way that bypasses human judgment.
• Any use of AI in editorial processes should be transparent and compliant with privacy regulations.
• Editors must ensure that AI tools used for screening do not introduce bias or compromise fairness.

4. Consequences of Violation

Failure to disclose AI use or using AI in a way that compromises research integrity may lead to:

• Rejection of the manuscript without further review.
• Retraction of a published article if violation is discovered post-publication.
• Disqualification as a reviewer or editor for the journal.
• Reporting to the author's institution or funding body in cases of severe misconduct.

5. Policy Updates

This policy will be reviewed regularly as AI technologies evolve. The current version is always available on this page.

• Version 1.0 — September 2026 (Initial release)
• Version 1.1 — To be announced (Expected Q1 2027)
• Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to stay informed about updates.

6. Contact Us

For questions about AI usage, clarification on this policy, or to report a potential violation, please contact the editorial office: