AI Policy

The Journal of Telecommunication Network (JARTEL) recognises that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as large language models, chatbots, and image generators, are increasingly used in research and writing. This policy, which follows the position of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), explains how such tools may be used by authors, reviewers, and editors. It does not apply to AI, machine-learning, or deep-learning methods that are the subject of the research itself, which must be described in the Method section in the usual way.

1. AI Cannot Be an Author

AI tools cannot meet the requirements for authorship because they cannot take responsibility for the work, approve the final manuscript, or be held accountable for its accuracy and integrity. AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors, and must not be cited as an author in the reference list.

2. Permitted Use by Authors

Authors may use AI tools to assist with:

  • Improving language, grammar, spelling, and readability of text written by the authors.
  • Assisting with programming, debugging, or data processing, provided the authors verify the code and results.
  • Searching for and organising literature, provided every cited source is checked by the authors to exist and to support the statement made.

3. Prohibited Use

  • Generating substantial parts of the manuscript, such as the analysis, results, discussion, or conclusions, without critical review and revision by the authors.
  • Fabricating or manipulating data, measurement results, figures, images, or references.
  • Creating or altering figures, photographs, oscilloscope traces, spectra, or experimental images with generative AI, unless this is itself part of the research design and is clearly explained.
  • Using AI to paraphrase other people's work in order to avoid plagiarism detection.

4. Disclosure

Authors who use generative AI tools must disclose this in a statement placed before the References, titled "Declaration of Generative AI Use", stating the name and version of the tool, the purpose, and the sections involved. For example:

"During the preparation of this work the authors used [tool name and version] to improve the readability of the Introduction. After using this tool, the authors reviewed and edited the content as needed and take full responsibility for the content of the publication."

Basic tools for spelling and grammar checking, and reference managers, do not need to be declared.

5. Author Responsibility

Authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of the entire manuscript, including any content produced with the help of AI. All AI-assisted text, code, and references must be verified by the authors before submission.

6. Use by Reviewers

Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not upload manuscripts, or any part of them, to generative AI tools, as this may breach confidentiality and the authors' rights. Reviewers must not use AI to write their review reports; the scientific assessment must be their own. Reviewers may use basic tools to improve the language of their own comments.

7. Use by Editors

Editors must not upload submitted manuscripts or editorial correspondence to generative AI tools, and editorial decisions are never delegated to AI. The journal may use similarity-checking and other screening software to support the editorial process.

8. Breaches of This Policy

Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI is treated as a breach of publication ethics. Depending on the stage and seriousness of the case, the journal may request revision, reject the manuscript, or publish a correction or retraction in accordance with the Allegation of Research Misconduct and Corrections & Retractions policies.

This policy will be reviewed periodically as AI technology and international publishing guidance develop.