In the modern world, artificial intelligence is a useful tool for researchers, especially when preparing texts, editing, structuring material, searching for information and so on. However, its use must comply with the principles of publication ethics, academic integrity and transparency. What constitutes a violation of the ethics of scientific publications when using AI? How can AI be used correctly in research? We will discuss this in our material.
A violation of publication ethics when using artificial intelligence is generally understood as actions that conceal the role of AI, do not properly describe authorship, undermine the reliability of the research or call into question the confidentiality of materials. Below, we will consider the aspects that are regarded as violations of publication ethics according to the recommendations of ICMJE and Elsevier.
1. Concealing the fact of AI use
If an author used AI to prepare a manuscript but did not indicate this where the journal requires it, this may be considered an ethical violation. ICMJE states that authors must disclose the use of AI tools and explain exactly how they were applied. The absence of this information may require editorial action and, in some cases, be interpreted as misconduct.
2. Listing AI as an author or co-author
According to the recommendations of ICMJE, artificial intelligence cannot be listed as an author or co-author of a scientific article. The essence of authorship is to ensure responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, originality of the work and final approval of the material. Artificial intelligence, in turn, cannot ensure this.
3. Using AI without checking the result
A violation may include incorporating AI-generated text, facts, conclusions or references into a manuscript without careful verification by the author. AI may create inaccurate, incomplete, biased information or fabricated sources, so the author is obliged to independently verify the content, citations and reliability of the material.
4. Generating or falsifying data
A serious violation is the use of AI to invent research results, alter data, create non-existent sources or form conclusions that are not based on real research. Elsevier directly states that AI must not be used to fabricate results, invent or alter data that do not correspond to real data and research methods.
5. Violation of confidentiality
It is unethical to upload unpublished manuscripts, personal data, research results, reviews or official correspondence to AI services without understanding the privacy policy of the service and without the permission of the responsible parties. For editors and reviewers, it is especially important not to upload submitted manuscripts to AI systems if confidentiality is not guaranteed.
6. Complete replacement of the author’s work with generated text
AI may assist with language editing, structure or improving readability, but it should not replace scientific analysis, thinking, interpretation and the author’s real contribution. Using AI to create substantial parts of a manuscript without one’s own intellectual contribution may be considered unethical.
7. Manipulation of images and illustrations
A violation is the creation or alteration, using artificial intelligence, of images that are intended to represent real research results. These may include microscopic images, histological images, radiological images, images of patients and so on. The use of AI to create explanatory illustrations must also be disclosed if this is permitted by the journal’s policy.
Publication ethics is violated not by the very fact of using artificial intelligence, but by its non-transparent, uncontrolled or dishonest application. An author may use AI as an auxiliary tool, but must honestly disclose its role, check all generated material and bear full responsibility for the content of the publication.
A researcher may use artificial intelligence without violating publication ethics if they do not conceal its role, do not transfer authorial responsibility to it, do not use it to invent data and carefully check the entire result. AI should be a tool for optimising the process of preparing research, not a full replacement for the scientist.
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