Policy on the use of AI

  1. General Provisions

The scholarly professional journal “Bulletin of the Penitentiary Association of Ukraine” establishes rules governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in order to ensure academic integrity, transparency, and the quality of scientific publications.

This policy takes into account international approaches, including the recommendations of:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE);
  • World Association of Medical Editors (WAME);
  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE),

as well as contemporary regulatory approaches to artificial intelligence (including European standards).

The policy on the use of AI technologies of the scientific journal is also based on the relevant requirements of the Law of Ukraine "On Academic Integrity".

This policy defines the ethical and technical boundaries of the use of generative AI by authors, reviewers, and editorial board members. Its purpose is to ensure academic integrity, confidentiality, and high quality of scientific content of the journal Archives of Criminology and Forensic Sciences. The editorial board reserves the right to update this policy to reflect the development of artificial intelligence technologies.

 

  1. Core Principles of AI Use

The use of AI in scholarly publications is permitted provided that:

  • authors retain full responsibility for the content of the article;
  • the use of AI is transparently disclosed;
  • violations of academic integrity are prevented;
  • the reliability and verifiability of results are ensured.

AI must not replace scientific reasoning, analysis, or interpretation of research results.

 

  1. Use of AI by Authors

3.1. Permitted Use of AI

Authors may use AI:

  • to improve the linguistic quality of the text;
  • for stylistic and grammatical editing;
  • for technical operations (structuring text, formatting lists and tables);
  • for auxiliary tasks that do not affect the scientific content.

3.2. Prohibited Use of AI

The use of AI is not permitted for:

  • generating the scientific content of the article (hypotheses, conclusions, analysis, interpretations);
  • generating research results;
  • simulating scientific novelty;
  • replacing the author’s intellectual contribution.

Such actions are considered violations of academic integrity.

3.3. Mandatory Disclosure of AI Use

If AI is used, authors are required to:

  • disclose this in the manuscript (e.g., in the “Declarations” section);
  • specify the name of the tool and the nature of its use.

AI cannot be listed as an author or co-author

 

  1. Use of AI in Research

The use of AI as part of the research methodology is permitted only if:

  • it is clearly described in the manuscript;
  • its application is justified;
  • the tools, versions, and parameters are specified.

Authors bear full responsibility for the results obtained.

 

  1. Use of AI for Images and Illustrations

The following are prohibited:

  • creation or modification of images using AI if it distorts data;
  • manipulations that alter the meaning of scientific results.

The following are permitted:

  • technical adjustments (e.g., brightness, contrast);
  • use of AI as part of a research method (with proper disclosure).

 

  1. Use of AI by Editors

Journal editors:

  • do not use AI to make editorial decisions;
  • do not upload manuscripts to AI tools (due to confidentiality concerns);
  • bear full responsibility for the editorial process.

 

  1. Use of AI by Reviewers

Reviewers are prohibited from:

  • uploading manuscripts or reviews into AI tools;
  • using AI to generate expert evaluations.

Peer review must be conducted solely on the basis of professional judgment.

 

  1. Risks Associated with AI Use

The Editorial Office draws attention to the following risks:

  • inaccuracy or “hallucinations” generated by AI;
  • reproduction of bias;
  • breaches of confidentiality;
  • potential infringement of copyright.

Authors are required to verify all results obtained using AI.

 

  1. Oversight and Responsibility

The Editorial Office:

  • may request additional explanations regarding the use of AI;
  • may use software tools to detect indications of AI use;
  • reserves the right to reject a manuscript in case of policy violations;
  • may initiate the retraction of a published article.

Violations include:

  • failure to disclose AI use;
  • use of AI in breach of ethical standards;
  • violation of confidentiality.

 

  1. Policy Updates

The Editorial Office reserves the right to update this policy in response to developments in AI technologies and international standards.