AI Tools Usage Policy

 

1. Introduction

Jurnal Ilmiah Iqra' acknowledges the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic publishing. AI tools can enhance language quality, facilitate data processing, and streamline research communication. Nonetheless, their use must be conducted responsibly to maintain academic integrity, originality, and transparency.
This policy outlines the journal's stance on the ethical use of AI in manuscript preparation, in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices and related discussion papers on AI-assisted research and publishing.

2. Definition of AI Tools

In this policy, AI tools are defined as digital applications or platforms employing machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), or deep learning technologies to generate, analyze, summarize, translate, or modify text, data, images, or audio.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other LLMs)
  • Writing and grammar enhancement tools (e.g., Grammarly, DeepL Write, Quillbot)
  • AI-based statistical, visualization, and modeling software
  • AI-generated images, figures, or graphics
  • AI-powered literature search or citation generators

3. Acceptable Use of AI Tools

Authors may use AI tools only for supportive and non-creative functions, under these conditions:

a. Permitted Uses:

  • Grammar, spelling, and punctuation correction
  • Refinement of style, clarity, and tone
  • Reference and citation formatting
  • Preliminary literature searching
  • Supporting statistical analysis (not replacing it)
  • Ethical image or visual aid generation
  • AI-generated writing must not exceed 20% in AI detection reports (e.g., Turnitin AI). Manuscripts above this threshold must be revised.

b. Prohibited Uses:
AI tools must not be used to:

  • Write entire manuscripts or substantial content portions
  • Fabricate or manipulate data, images, or findings
  • Translate text without human review
  • Summarize or paraphrase sources in a way that causes plagiarism
  • Reproduce copyrighted or third-party materials without permission

4. Author Responsibilities

Authors bear full accountability for all manuscript content, including material developed with AI assistance. Authors must:

  • Verify factual accuracy, originality, and validity of AI-assisted content
  • Eliminate potential bias, plagiarism, or AI "hallucinations"
  • Properly cite any data or ideas suggested by AI tools
  • Ensure full human review and editing of all AI outputs
  • Accept ethical and academic responsibility for the final work

5. Authorship and AI

AI systems cannot qualify as authors or co-authors. Authorship is restricted to individuals who make substantial intellectual contributions and can assume responsibility for the research.
Listing AI tools in the author list or contribution statement is strictly forbidden and may result in desk rejection or retraction.

6. Disclosure of AI Use

Any AI usage beyond standard linguistic or formatting support must be transparently disclosed. Authors should specify:

  • The AI tool name, version, and developer
  • The purpose and extent of its use
  • A statement confirming human verification and responsibility for all AI-generated content

7. Placement of Disclosure

Depending on its function, disclosure should appear in one of the following:

  • Methods section: if used for data analysis, coding, or visualization
  • Acknowledgments section: if used for translation, editing, or formatting
  • Dedicated declaration:

"During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [AI tool name, version, developer] for [specific purpose]. All AI-assisted outputs were carefully reviewed and edited by the authors for accuracy, clarity, and academic integrity. The authors take full responsibility for the content of this work."

8. Editorial and Peer Review Oversight

Editors and reviewers will evaluate AI disclosures as part of the manuscript's ethical review. In cases of undisclosed or improper AI use, the editorial board may:

  • Request clarification or revision
  • Reject the manuscript
  • Report to the author's institution if misconduct is suspected

Jurnal Ilmiah Iqra' emphasizes human oversight in all evaluation stages and does not rely solely on AI detection tools.

9. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violation of this policy may result in:

  • Rejection at any review stage
  • Retraction after publication
  • Institutional notification for misconduct
  • Future submission bans in severe or repeated cases

10. Appeals and Disputes

Authors may appeal editorial decisions concerning AI use by submitting a written explanation to the Editor-in-Chief. An internal ethics committee will review appeals or, if necessary, refer them to an independent COPE advisor.

11. Editorial Team Use of AI

Jurnal Ilmiah Iqra' does not employ AI to make autonomous editorial or peer-review decisions. Any use of AI by editors will be clearly disclosed and always subject to human verification and final judgment.

12. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be periodically reviewed to align with technological and ethical developments. Authors are advised to consult the latest version before submission and to contact the editorial office for clarification regarding compliance.

13. Ethical References

The following COPE resources guide this policy:

  • COPE Core Practices
  • COPE Discussion Document: Artificial Intelligence in Decision Making
  • COPE Guidelines on Authorship and Contributorship
  • COPE Retraction Guidelines

All authors must adhere to these standards as a condition of publication in Jurnal Ilmiah Iqra'.