In a context of increasing use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), mandatory standards are necessary to promote and preserve a rigorous, ethical, and effective workplace. Based on a set of considerations from scientific organizations and publisher associations, the editorial team of Ería Revista Cuatrimestral de Geografía has developed a specific protocol.
The following are the fundamental principles (in line with the COPE Declaration):
-AI tools cannot meet authorship criteria, as they cannot assume responsibility for scientific content.-AI cannot manage conflicts of interest, copyright, or make ethical decisions.
For authors:
• Generative AI cannot be authors or co-authors under any circumstances, nor may they be cited as a reference or other source.
• The use or publication of images created by AI is not permissible.
• Any use of AI for analysis or editorial adjustment must be indicated. Additionally, suggestions (prompts or query statements), the intended purpose and sections of the work concerned, the date of generation, as well as the specific chatbot used and its version must be stated. This procedure will be followed in communications with the other participants in the editorial process and also in the manuscript.
• Authors are responsible for the information they include in their AI-generated text. Please note that the AI is trained on material previously published by authors (which may not be cited or used inappropriately or incorrectly). Authors are responsible for avoiding plagiarism due to errors or misuse of information in this way at all times. They must ensure the originality of their work. They are also responsible for the accuracy, integrity, avoidance of bias, and validity of the generated text.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in the withdrawal of the manuscript, in accordance with the procedures of the publishing institution and current regulations and codes.
For editors and reviewers:
• Specialized tools (recommended by the institution) will be provided to detect the use of AI, as a complementary measure for reviewing the text in the different phases of the process.
• Any use of AI in the editorial process must be reported. It must be stated how it was used and demonstrated that it does not compromise the authors' intellectual property rights and does not lead to plagiarism or data manipulation. Likewise, it must be guaranteed that any information generated by AI and incorporated into reviews and communications during the editorial process is accurate, complete, and impartial.
• Ería journal manuscripts must not be incorporated into software or other AI technologies where confidentiality and security of processing are not guaranteed.
In any case, responsible use of AI is pursued, respecting the principles of transparency, with clear and open communication about how artificial intelligence is used in any aspect of the editorial process, and data confidentiality. The AI policy will also monitor its impact on content reuse.
Any misuse of AI will be addressed in accordance with the publishing institution's procedures and in accordance with applicable regulations and codes.