Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for the transparent and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in manuscripts submitted to Uru: Journal of Communication and Culture. It aligns with the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all authors, reviewers, and editors involved in the submission, peer-review, and publication process.

3. Definitions

AI-assisted content: Work initially created by a human author and subsequently enhanced through AI tools (for example, grammar correction, style improvement, or translation assistance).

AI-generated content: Content produced primarily by AI systems in response to prompts, which may include text, images, code, data analysis, or figures.

4. Authorship

AI tools cannot be listed as authors. Authorship requires the ability to assume responsibility for the work, approve the final version of the manuscript, and answer for all aspects of the research. Only individuals can fulfill these requirements.

All listed authors must have made substantial contributions to the work and assume full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of any AI-generated or AI-assisted content.

5. Disclosure Requirements

5.1 When disclosure is required

Authors must disclose the use of AI tools when they are used to:

  • Generate, draft, or substantially edit text.

  • Collect, process, or analyze data.

  • Create or modify figures, images, or visualizations.

  • Write or debug code used in the research.

  • Conduct literature screening or synthesis.

  • Provide assistance in methodological work.

5.2 When disclosure is not required

In general, disclosure is not required for:

  • Basic spelling and grammar correction.

  • Use of standard reference management software.

  • Conventional word-processing functions.

5.3 Where to disclose

The use of AI must be indicated in the following sections:

  • Declarations Section: For the use of AI in writing assistance, translation, or style editing.

  • Methods Section (within the article): For the use of AI in research methodology, data collection, analysis, or figure generation.

  • Cover Letter: This must include a summary of AI use at the time of submission.

5.4 What to include in the disclosure

The disclosure must specify:

  1. The name and version of the AI tool or tools used.

  2. The date or dates of access.

  3. The specific purpose and the sections of the manuscript in which AI was used.

  4. The author’s role in reviewing and validating the AI-generated content.

6. Peer Review

Reviewers must not upload manuscripts or parts of manuscripts into AI tools, as this may compromise the confidentiality of the editorial process. They must not use AI tools to generate peer-review reports either.

If AI assistance is used in any aspect of the review, the reviewer must inform the editor.

7. Editorial Use

Editors must not use AI tools to draft decision letters or summarize unpublished research. Any editorial use of AI must preserve the confidentiality of the peer-review process.

8. Compliance and Consequences

Disclosure of AI use does not, by itself, constitute grounds for manuscript rejection. However, failure to disclose AI use when required, or the inappropriate use of AI, may result in manuscript rejection, retraction of published articles, or other actions in accordance with COPE guidelines.

9. Examples of Disclosure

For the Declarations Section:

The authors acknowledge the use of [name of AI tool, version] (accessed on [date]) for language editing and improving the readability of the manuscript. The authors reviewed and edited all AI-generated suggestions and assume full responsibility for the content of this publication.

For the Methods Section:

Data analysis was assisted by [name of AI tool, version] (accessed on [date]) for [specific task, e.g., categorizing abstracts or generating initial code]. All results were verified by the authors through [validation method].

10. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated as AI technologies and editorial best practices evolve. Authors should consult the most recent version of this policy at the time of submission.

Effective date: May 2026