Research Briefs on Information & Communication Technology Evolution (ReBICTE) recognizes that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies such as large language models, code generation systems, image synthesis tools, and automated data analysis platforms are increasingly integrated into research workflows. While these tools may enhance productivity, clarity, and exploratory analysis, their use raises important concerns related to authorship integrity, originality, transparency, data privacy, and reproducibility. This policy establishes clear guidelines governing the acceptable and responsible use of GenAI in manuscripts submitted to ReBICTE.

ReBICTE permits the use of GenAI tools as assistive technologies, provided such use does not compromise scientific integrity or intellectual accountability. Authors may use GenAI for language refinement, grammar correction, structural editing, summarization, formatting assistance, or preliminary idea organization. However, GenAI tools may not replace substantive intellectual contribution. The conceptualization of research questions, experimental design, methodological decisions, interpretation of results, and scholarly conclusions must remain the responsibility of human authors.

GenAI systems cannot be listed as authors or co-authors under any circumstances. Authorship implies accountability, intellectual ownership, and responsibility for the integrity of the work criteria that AI systems cannot fulfill. All listed authors must meet established authorship standards, take responsibility for the content, and approve the final version of the manuscript. Any attempt to attribute authorship to an AI system will result in immediate editorial action.

Transparency is mandatory. If GenAI tools are used in the preparation of a manuscript, authors must disclose this in a clearly labeled “AI Usage Statement” within the manuscript (e.g., in the acknowledgments or methods section). The statement should specify:
(1) The name and version of the tool used;
(2) The specific purpose for which it was used (e.g., language editing, code drafting, data visualization support);
(3) Confirmation that authors verified and validated all AI-generated content.
Failure to disclose material GenAI use may be considered a breach of publication ethics.

GenAI tools must not be used to fabricate data, generate synthetic results presented as real data, manipulate figures, or create fictitious references. All empirical data must originate from legitimate research activities. Authors are fully responsible for verifying the factual accuracy, citation validity, and originality of any content influenced by AI systems. The use of AI does not exempt authors from plagiarism screening, data verification, or ethical compliance standards enforced by the journal.

When GenAI tools are used for code generation or algorithmic assistance, authors must carefully validate the correctness, performance, and security of the generated code. In computational or ICT-related submissions, reproducibility and methodological transparency remain paramount. Authors must ensure that AI-assisted outputs are technically sound, reproducible, and properly documented.

ReBICTE also recognizes privacy and data protection concerns. Authors must not input confidential, proprietary, unpublished, or personally identifiable data into public GenAI platforms unless such use complies with institutional, ethical, and legal standards. Responsibility for data protection lies entirely with the authors.

The editorial board reserves the right to request clarification regarding AI use during peer review. Where undisclosed or inappropriate AI usage is detected, the journal may initiate corrective actions, including manuscript rejection, retraction, or notification of affiliated institutions in accordance with publication ethics guidelines.

ReBICTE supports responsible innovation in ICT research and acknowledges that GenAI technologies themselves are legitimate subjects of scholarly investigation. However, their use in manuscript preparation must remain transparent, ethical, and subordinate to human scholarly accountability. By submitting to ReBICTE, authors agree to comply fully with this Generative AI Policy.