Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

This policy applies to all manuscripts and book submissions to Scholar Book Press, published by Meta Open Sciences.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and other generative AI systems—is increasingly integrated into scholarly writing, book preparation, and research support. Meta Open Sciences acknowledges the potential of AI tools to assist authors while emphasizing research integrity, transparency, originality, and author accountability.

This policy is guided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) position statement on Authorship and AI Tools and aligns with ethical standards expected by international indexing databases and scholarly publishing norms.

1. Authorship and Accountability

Artificial intelligence tools may not be listed as authors or co-authors under any circumstances. Authorship requires intellectual contribution, accountability for content, and responsibility for copyright and licensing—roles AI tools cannot assume.

All human authors or editors are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the submitted work, including any sections, text, data, analyses, tables, figures, or interpretations generated or assisted by AI tools.

2. Permissible Use of AI Tools

AI tools may be used for supportive tasks such as language editing, grammar refinement, formatting assistance, or preliminary research summaries, provided that their use does not replace critical scholarly judgment or compromise the originality or accuracy of the content.

AI tools must not be used to fabricate content, manipulate data, generate misleading information, or replace the intellectual contribution of the author.

3. Disclosure and Transparency

Any use of AI tools in manuscript or book preparation must be fully disclosed.

Disclosure should include:

• The name and version of the AI tool used;
• The purpose for which the tool was used;
• The extent and nature of the AI tool’s contribution.

This disclosure should be included in a preface, acknowledgements section, or a dedicated AI Use Statement.

4. Ethical Use and Data Governance

Authors must ensure that AI tools are used ethically and in compliance with data protection, copyright, and confidentiality standards. Sensitive or proprietary information must not be shared with AI tools in violation of legal or institutional requirements.

All AI-assisted outputs must be carefully reviewed and verified by the author to prevent inaccuracies, bias, plagiarism, or ethical violations.

5. Editorial Oversight and Enforcement

The editorial team of Scholar Book Press and Meta Open Sciences reserve the right to request clarification regarding AI use and to take appropriate editorial actions—including rejection, withdrawal, or correction—if undisclosed, inappropriate, or unethical use of AI tools is identified.

Failure to disclose AI use constitutes a breach of publication ethics and will be addressed in accordance with COPE guidelines.

6. Policy Review

This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect advances in AI technologies, emerging ethical standards, and publishing best practices. Submission of a manuscript or book implies that the author(s) have read, understood, and agreed to comply with this policy.