PLOS supports the ethical use of AI in publishing while emphasizing transparency, integrity, and human responsibility. All AI-generated contributions must be clearly disclosed, and any misuse, especially involving data fabrication, is strictly prohibited. Reviewers are also expected to uphold confidentiality and avoid using AI in ways that compromise integrity.
1. Disclosure of AI Use
Authors must declare any use of generative AI in a dedicated section of the manuscript: Either in the Materials & Methods or the Acknowledgments section.
Disclosures must include:
• The name of the AI tool
• Which content or sections it influenced
• How the validity of AI-generated outputs was evaluated
2. Author Responsibility
Human authors retain full accountability for all content, including that generated with AI assistance. Authors must:
• Verify the accuracy and validity of all AI-generated text
• Ensure there is no plagiarism or fabricated data
• Cite original sources appropriately
The use of AI to fabricate or misrepresent research data is strictly prohibited.
3. Authorship
• AI tools cannot be credited as authors or contributors
• Authorship requires: Human judgment, legal and ethical responsibility, and ability to respond to questions about the work
4. Data & Image Integrity
• AI tools must not be used to fabricate or manipulate data, figures, or images in misleading ways.
• All PLOS policies on image integrity and data transparency continue to apply.
PLOS allows the use of AI tools in publishing but emphasizes strict transparency and ethical standards. If AI tools are used to assist in content creation, this must be clearly disclosed. The disclosure must include the tool name, the content it influenced, and how the accuracy and validity of the outputs were verified.
Authors are fully responsible for all submitted material, including any AI-assisted text. They must ensure the content is original, accurate, and properly cited. Using AI to fabricate or misrepresent primary research data is strictly prohibited.
AI tools cannot be listed as authors or contributors, as authorship requires human accountability.
For more information, visit:
PlLOS’ Generative AI Policies for Journals