AI Tools Usage Policy

1. Introduction

JAKP: Journal of Administration and Public Policy recognizes the transformational potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scholarly writing. From improving linguistic clarity to supporting data analysis and visualization, AI tools can offer substantial benefits to authors. Such use, however, must be carefully regulated to safeguard academic integrity, originality, transparency, and accountability.

This policy sets forth JAKP’s position on the ethical and responsible use of AI in the preparation of scholarly manuscripts. The policy aligns with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including its Core Practices and discussion documents on the use of AI in decision-making processes.

2. Definition of AI Tools

Within the scope of this policy, AI tools refer to systems, platforms, or software that employ artificial intelligence techniques such as machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning to generate, analyze, translate, summarize, or modify data in a research context.

Examples include:

  • Generative AI such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs)
  • Writing and grammar tools such as Grammarly, DeepL Write, and Quillbot
  • AI-based data analysis software
  • AI systems for generating images, figures, or statistical models
  • AI-based citation and literature review generators

3. Permitted Use

The use of AI tools is permitted for the following purposes, subject to the conditions outlined below.

Permitted purposes:

  • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks
  • Enhancement of language clarity and writing style
  • Citation and reference list formatting
  • Preliminary literature exploration
  • Support for statistical analysis, not as a substitute for scholarly judgment
  • Ethical creation of simple illustrations
  • AI writing detection results up to a maximum of 20 percent, based on Turnitin; manuscripts exceeding this threshold must be revised

Restricted uses:

  • Generation of all or substantial portions of manuscript content without critical human review and proper attribution
  • Fabrication or falsification of data, images, or research findings
  • Automated translation without human verification
  • Automated paraphrasing or summarization of published works that results in copyright infringement or plagiarism
  • Use of content that violates third-party intellectual property rights

4. Author Responsibilities

Authors bear full responsibility for the entire content of submitted manuscripts, including sections assisted by AI tools. Authors are required to:

  • Verify the accuracy and originality of AI-assisted outputs
  • Ensure the absence of plagiarism, bias, factual errors, or hallucinations
  • Provide appropriate attribution for data or sources used by AI tools
  • Review and edit AI-generated outputs to ensure compliance with academic standards

5. Authorship and AI

AI tools cannot be recognized as authors or contributors. Only individuals who have made substantial contributions and can assume responsibility for the manuscript may be listed as authors.

Listing AI tools in the author list, author notes, or contribution statements is prohibited and may result in desk rejection or retraction of the manuscript.

6. Disclosure Obligations

Authors must openly disclose the use of AI tools when such use exceeds the permitted scope. The disclosure must include:

  • The name, version, and developer of the AI tool
  • The purpose and extent of its use
  • A statement affirming that the authors assume full responsibility for the AI-assisted content

7. Location of Disclosure in the Manuscript

Depending on the nature of the use, disclosure must be included in one of the following sections:

  • Methodology: when AI is used for data analysis, image generation, or modeling
  • Acknowledgments: when AI is used for writing assistance, translation, or formatting
  • Specific Statement: authors are encouraged to include a section titled “Statement on the Use of AI Tools”, for example:

“During the preparation of this manuscript, the author(s) used [name and version of the AI tool, developer] for [description of purpose and scope]. All outputs generated by the AI tool were critically reviewed and thoroughly edited by the author(s) to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with academic standards. The author(s) bear full responsibility for the integrity and content of this manuscript.”

8. Editorial and Peer Review Oversight

Editors and reviewers will assess AI disclosures as part of the ethical and methodological evaluation of manuscripts. In cases of undisclosed or inappropriate use, editors may:

  • Request clarification or revisions
  • Reject the manuscript
  • Initiate an investigation or refer the matter to the authors’ affiliated institutions

JAKP does not rely solely on automated detection tools and emphasizes human evaluation and direct communication.

9. Sanctions for Policy Violations

Violations of this policy may result in:

  • Rejection of the manuscript
  • Retraction of a published article
  • Notification of the author’s institution
  • A submission ban for future manuscripts in cases of serious misconduct

10. Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Authors may appeal editorial decisions related to AI use by submitting a formal written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief, accompanied by supporting evidence and references to this policy. Appeals will be reviewed by an internal ethics panel or independent consultants if necessary.