Last updated: May 4, 2026
Artificial Intelligence Use Policy
1 General Principles
The Baishideng Publishing Group (BPG) series of journals recognizes the growing role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific research and publishing. Assistive use of AI tools is permitted in limited capacities but must not replace human judgment, scientific reasoning, or ethical responsibility. The use of AI tools, including large language models such as ChatGPT, must adhere to the principles of: Transparency; Human intellectual responsibility; Accountability; and Confidentiality.
2 Policy for Authors
2.1 Permitted use: Language editing and grammar correction; Improving clarity and readability; and Formatting assistance.
2.2 Restricted use: Generating scientific hypotheses, data interpretation, or conclusions; Producing original scientific content without human validation; and Creating or manipulating data, images, or results.
2.3 Mandatory disclosure: AI tool (and version) used, purpose of use, and extent of involvement.
Example statement: Portions of this manuscript were edited using AI tools for language refinement. The authors were responsible and agree to accountability for all scientific content.
Example statement: The authors agree to accountability for all content of this manuscript, including any portions for which AI tools were used as assistive technology. The authors confirm that all AI-assisted outputs have been carefully reviewed, verified, and validated. The authors take full responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the manuscript. AI tools were not used to generate data, perform analyses, or draw scientific conclusions.
2.4 Authorship: AI tools cannot be listed as authors, as they lack accountability and the ability to take responsibility.
2.5 Responsibility: Encompassing accuracy, originality, and integrity of the work.
2.6 Confidentiality and data security: Authors must not upload, input, or otherwise disclose any part (in whole or in part) of unpublished manuscripts submitted to journals under BPG to any large language model or other artificial intelligence system. Such actions may result in unauthorized disclosure of unpublished research content and violate principles of confidentiality and data security in scholarly publishing. Authors are responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality of all unpublished materials and assume full responsibility for data protection.
3 Policy for Reviewers
3.1 Confidentiality (strict prohibition): Inputting any part of the manuscript into AI systems; Uploading or sharing confidential materials with AI tools.
Such actions constitute a breach of peer review confidentiality.
3.2 Permitted use: Language editing and/or grammar refinement of review reports.
3.3 Prohibited use: Scientific evaluation; Interpretation of results; and Generating review conclusions.
3.4 Responsibility: Accuracy of the review; Confidentiality of the manuscript; and Ethical integrity of the peer review process.
4 Policy for Editors
4.1 Editors must ensure: Compliance with AI disclosure requirements; Detection of undisclosed or inappropriate AI use; and Fair and unbiased editorial decisions independent of AI.
4.2 Editors should not rely on AI tools for: Final acceptance/rejection decisions; or Scientific judgment.
5 Misuse and Ethical Violations
Failure to comply with this policy may result in: Manuscript rejection; Retraction of published articles; Notification to institutions; and Suspension of submission privileges.
6 Alignment with International Standards
This policy is developed in accordance with best practices and recommendations from: Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE); and World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).
The BPG will regularly review and update our information for authors, reviewers, and editors and our policies for the use of generative AI to ensure that we maintain the highest standards.