This policy covers three things: whether an AI tool can be an author, what you must disclose about AI use in a submitted manuscript, and the rules on AI-generated and AI-modified images. Disclosure is tiered — using AI only to correct the language of text you wrote requires a single confirmation at submission and nothing more.
AI Tools Cannot Be Authors
At Brieflands, Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, do not meet our criteria for authorship. Authorship requires accountability for the work, which cannot be attributed to LLMs. AI tools cannot be listed as authors and do not bear responsibility for any part of the content.
In all cases, human accountability is essential for the final version of the manuscript. Authors must agree that all edits reflect their original intent and work, and remain fully accountable for the accuracy and originality of the manuscript, the validity of data, results and interpretations, and for ensuring that no AI-generated content is plagiarized, fabricated or misleading.
What You Must Disclose: The Two Tiers
What you must do depends on what the tool did, not on which tool you used. Read the boundary test below before deciding which tier applies to you.
| Tier 1 — Language assistance | Tier 2 — Substantive use | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, tone, readability and style of text you wrote yourself. Includes tools such as Grammarly, and LLMs used only to polish language. | Developing the idea, generating or substantially rewriting text, creating or modifying figures, or working on references. |
| What you must do | Confirm it in the AI declaration field at submission. No statement in the manuscript is required. | Provide a full disclosure statement in the manuscript, containing everything listed below. |
| If not declared | No sanction. Language assistance is not a breach of this policy. | May result in rejection, or correction or retraction after publication. |
Tier 1 in full
“AI-assisted copy editing” means enhancements to human-generated text for readability, style, and the correction of grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone. Such improvements may include modifications to wording and formatting, but must not involve generative editorial work or autonomous content creation. For Tier 1 use, confirm it in the AI declaration field at submission. No statement in the manuscript is required, and no author is penalized for this use.
Tier 2 in full
A full disclosure statement is required where an AI tool was used for any of the following:
- Developing or refining the initial idea for the manuscript, or any part of the research question, hypothesis, conceptual framework or overall structure of the article
- Generating text, or rewriting text to the point where the wording is the tool’s rather than the author’s
- Creating or modifying figures, diagrams or graphical elements
- Generating, locating or verifying references
- Any other generative editorial work or autonomous content creation
What a Tier 2 Disclosure Must Contain
- Identification of the AI tool. Name the specific tool or tools used, such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, Grammarly, Scite, or any other language model, image generator or reference assistant. Include the version where known.
- Description of the exact contribution. State which figure or figures were generated or modified using AI; which parts of the text (for example Introduction, Methods, Discussion, Abstract) were written or edited with AI assistance; and to what extent the tool contributed to each, for example major text rewriting or complete figure generation.
- Use in the reference list. Where AI was used in any part of the referencing process, state which references were suggested, corrected or generated by the tool, and to what degree it contributed, for example providing initial suggestions, verifying citation details, or generating summaries.
- Use in developing the idea. Where AI contributed to the initial concept or to development of the main idea, state how extensively it influenced the conceptualization, and whether it generated any part of the research question, hypothesis, conceptual framework or overall structure.
Where the Declaration Goes
Three places are involved, at three stages. They are not alternatives — each has its own job.
| Stage | Where it goes | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| At submission, Tier 1 | The AI declaration field in the submission form | Author |
| At submission, Tier 2 | The Methods section — or, if a Methods section is not applicable, another appropriate section of the manuscript | Author |
| At submission, figures | The relevant figure caption, in addition to the Methods statement | Author |
| At publication | A dedicated footnote on the published article | Brieflands production |
The footnote is applied by Brieflands, not by authors, and has been added to all published articles since 10 December 2025. It is generated from what you disclose at submission, which is why an accurate submission disclosure matters — it is the source of what appears on the published record.
Authors Declaration
Use this wording for a Tier 2 disclosure:
Policy on Generative AI Images
The rapid advancements in generative AI image creation have introduced new challenges related to copyright and research integrity. At Brieflands, we adhere strictly to existing copyright laws and publication ethics to maintain the integrity of our content. Due to the unresolved legal issues surrounding AI-generated images and videos, we currently do not permit their use in publications, except under specific conditions outlined below:
Exceptions
- Licensed Images: Images or artwork obtained from agencies with which Brieflands has contractual agreements, provided they are created in a legally compliant manner.
- AI-Related Research: Images and videos that are directly referenced in works specifically discussing AI will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Scientific Data-Driven AI Tools: Generative AI tools developed using scientifically verified and attributable datasets may be permitted if they adhere to ethical standards, copyright laws, and terms of use.
Policy on Non-Generative AI Tools
The use of non-generative AI tools for manipulating, combining, or enhancing existing images or figures is allowed but must be disclosed in the relevant figure captions upon submission. These cases will be reviewed individually to ensure compliance with ethical and scientific standards.
Consequences of Non-Disclosure
Failure to disclose Tier 2 AI use in accordance with this policy may result in rejection of the manuscript, or in correction or retraction after publication, depending on what is found and when. This applies to substantive use only. Undeclared Tier 1 language assistance is not a breach of this policy and carries no sanction.
Policy Updates
As this field evolves rapidly, Brieflands will regularly review and update this policy to reflect advancements and changes in legal and ethical standards. Where a change alters what authors must do, the change is described here rather than applied silently.