Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

• IJDST recognizes that Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies can support academic research and manuscript preparation when used responsibly, transparently, and ethically.
• Authors may use AI-assisted tools for language improvement, grammar correction, readability enhancement, translation assistance, formatting, manuscript organization, and other limited editorial or technical purposes.
• AI tools may also be used to support research-related activities when the resulting information, analysis, data, interpretations, references, and conclusions are independently verified by the authors.
• Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, legality, and academic quality of all content submitted to IJDST, regardless of whether AI tools have been used.
• AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors because they cannot accept responsibility for the research, approve the final manuscript, disclose conflicts of interest, or be accountable for the published work.
• AI tools must not be used to fabricate, falsify, manipulate, or selectively alter research data, results, images, figures, references, citations, or other research materials.
• Authors must independently verify AI-generated information, references, citations, factual statements, calculations, and interpretations before including them in a manuscript.
• Authors must ensure that the use of AI does not result in plagiarism, copyright infringement, fabrication, falsification, misrepresentation, breach of confidentiality, or violation of privacy.
• Authors must disclose the use of Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies when such use has contributed to the development, analysis, or preparation of the manuscript beyond routine spelling, grammar, or formatting assistance.
• Where disclosure is required, authors should identify the AI tool used and briefly describe its purpose in the Acknowledgements or a dedicated Declaration of Generative AI Use statement.
• Routine use of basic spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting assistance that does not materially contribute to the intellectual content of the manuscript does not normally require detailed disclosure.
• Reviewers and Editors must maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and should not upload, reproduce, or share confidential manuscript content with external Generative AI tools.
• Reviewers and Editors must not use Generative AI to replace their independent academic judgment in peer review or editorial decision-making.
• Any permitted administrative or language-related use of AI by editorial staff must not compromise manuscript confidentiality, author privacy, peer-review integrity, or editorial independence.
• IJDST may request clarification regarding the use of AI tools when necessary to assess authorship, originality, accuracy, research integrity, or compliance with this policy.
• Where inappropriate, undisclosed, or unethical AI use results in concerns regarding the integrity or reliability of a manuscript or published article, IJDST may take appropriate editorial action, including rejection, correction, withdrawal, Expression of Concern, or retraction where warranted.
• IJDST will periodically review this policy to reflect developments in Generative AI, research integrity, copyright, privacy, and responsible academic publishing practices.