Integrity is non-negotiable.

The use of generative AI and AI-assisted tools must comply with international and institutional policies, including the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). AI tools cannot be credited as authors; authorship is reserved for humans who meet the criteria outlined in the journal's guidelines. When authors incorporate generative AI and AI-assisted technologies into their writing process, these tools should serve solely to enhance the clarity, coherence, and overall readability of the text. Authors are required to explain which AI tools they used and in what context in the AI Declaration section of the article information form. Additionally, authors must ensure that any content generated by AI is free from plagiarism and has been thoroughly validated for accuracy because AI can generate authoritative-sounding output that can be incorrect, incomplete, or biased. Authors are responsible for all content generated by AI tools.

When a researcher is invited to evaluate and provide feedback on a fellow researcher's manuscript in JMAACS, it is imperative to treat the document with the utmost confidentiality. The manuscript should only be accessed and handled within the boundaries of ethical and professional conduct. Under no circumstances should reviewers upload the submitted work, whether in whole or in part, to any generative AI tool or similar platform. This confidentiality requirement extends to the peer review report, as it may contain confidential information about the manuscript and/or the authors. Such actions could jeopardize the authors' confidentiality, infringe upon their proprietary rights, and, in cases where the manuscript includes personally identifiable information, potentially result in serious violations of data protection and privacy regulations. Reviewers bear the responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of the peer-review process and respecting the trust placed in them by the authors of JMAACS. The reviewer holds full responsibility and accountability for the content of the review report. Reviewers can find AI disclosure information within the AI Statement Section of the paper.

A submitted manuscript in JMAACS is to be regarded as a confidential document. Editors of JMAACS must refrain from uploading a manuscript, or any portion of it, into a generative AI tool, as doing so could compromise the authors' confidentiality and proprietary rights. Furthermore, if the manuscript contains personally identifiable information, such actions might violate data privacy regulations. This confidentiality obligation also applies to all related communications about the manuscript, including notifications and decision letters, since such correspondence may contain sensitive information concerning the manuscript or its authors. Consequently, editors should avoid using AI tools to process these letters, even if the intent is solely to enhance their language or clarity. The JMAACS AI Author Policy permits authors to utilize generative AI and AI-assisted technologies during the writing process before submission. However, this is strictly limited to enhancing the language and readability of their manuscript. Authors are required to provide proper disclosure in accordance with the guidelines outlined in JMAACS's AI Policy. Editors can locate this disclosure within the AI Statement Section of the paper. If an editor suspects a potential violation of AI policies by an author or reviewer, they should notify the publisher.