Artificial Intelligence Policy

Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Scholarly Publishing

The rapid evolution of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies is transforming how scholarly content is created, reviewed, and communicated. Rangsit Music Journal (RMJ) recognizes both the potential benefits and the ethical responsibilities that accompany these tools. This policy establishes guidelines to promote transparency, research integrity, and responsible use of AI across all stages of the publication process. We are committed to reviewing and updating these policies regularly to reflect evolving best practices in academic publishing.

Note: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence technologies capable of generating content across formats including text, images, audio, and synthetic data. Common examples include ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, DALL·E 3, Suno, and Udio.

 

For Authors

1. Scope of Policy

This policy addresses the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies during the preparation and writing of manuscripts submitted to RMJ. It does not restrict the use of AI tools in formal research design, data analysis, or music-analysis processes where such tools form part of the documented research methodology.

2. Use in Manuscript Preparation

Authors may use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies to support tasks such as improving the clarity, language, and readability of their manuscripts, organizing content, or reviewing literature. However, all use of such tools must remain under the author's active oversight. Authors are responsible for reviewing, editing, and verifying all AI-generated output, as such content may be inaccurate, incomplete, or biased. In particular, authors must independently verify that every cited source exists, is accurately quoted, and supports the claim for which it is cited, as generative AI tools are known to fabricate references. The manuscript must ultimately reflect the authors' own analysis, interpretation, and original scholarly contribution.

3. Disclosure Requirement

Authors who use generative AI or AI-assisted tools at any stage of manuscript preparation must disclose this clearly in a dedicated statement within their submission, placed immediately before the reference list, under the heading "Declaration of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Writing Process." This statement must identify the tool(s) used, the purpose for which they were used, and confirm that the author(s) reviewed and edited all AI-generated content. The statement will be included in the published article. The following format is suggested:

During the preparation of this work, the author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL] in order to [STATE PURPOSE]. After using this tool, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.

Non-generative tools that only flag or correct basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors do not require disclosure. Generative tools that rewrite sentences, generate new text, or translate the manuscript from one language to another do require disclosure, even when marketed as proofreading aids.

4. Authorship

Generative AI tools may not be listed as authors or co-authors, nor cited as independent sources. Authorship carries legal and ethical responsibilities. This includes accountability for the accuracy and integrity of the work, the ability to approve the final manuscript, and agreement to its submission, which are responsibilities that can only be fulfilled by humans.

5. Figures, Images, Musical Examples, and Artwork

The use of generative AI to fabricate, alter, or manipulate figures, images, music notation, or artwork within submitted manuscripts is not permitted. Basic adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable provided they do not distort or conceal original information. Submitted materials may be subject to forensic review to detect inappropriate alterations.

The sole exception applies when AI-generated or AI-assisted visuals are an integral part of the research methodology (for example, data visualization, computer-generated music scores, or AI-assisted audio analysis visualizations). In such cases, authors must fully describe the tool used, including its name, version, and developer, and provide a reproducible account of the process in the methods section.

 

For Reviewers

Peer review is the foundation of scholarly integrity and depends on confidentiality, independent judgment, and critical expertise. Reviewers must treat all submitted manuscripts and related materials as strictly confidential. Under no circumstances should a manuscript, or any portion of it, be uploaded into a generative AI or AI-assisted tool. Doing so may compromise the authors' intellectual property, violate proprietary rights, and breach data privacy regulations.

This confidentiality requirement extends to the peer review report itself. Reviewers must not submit review reports to AI tools for any purpose, including language improvement, as reports may contain confidential information about the manuscript or its authors.

The assessment of scholarly work demands original critical thinking, subject expertise, and ethical judgment, which are responsibilities that cannot be delegated to AI. Reviewers bear full accountability for the integrity and quality of their reports.

 

For Editors

Editors are responsible for upholding the confidentiality and integrity of the editorial process. All submitted manuscripts and related correspondence must be treated as confidential and must not be uploaded to any generative AI or AI-assisted tool, even for the purpose of improving readability.

Editorial evaluation and decision-making require careful human judgment and cannot be outsourced to AI technologies. Editors must not use generative AI systems to evaluate manuscripts, draft decision letters, or formulate editorial recommendations. The editor bears full accountability for all editorial decisions and communications.

*** Policy effective: June 1, 2026. The editorial team will review and update this policy periodically to reflect developments in the field.