Artificial Intelligence Policy

Virtual Economics recognises the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language model (LLM) tools in research and scholarly writing. The journal permits the responsible use of such tools subject to the conditions set out below.

Authorship

Artificial intelligence tools, including generative AI systems, cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a manuscript. Authorship implies responsibility and accountability for the content of the work and may only be attributed to human contributors.

Disclosure

Authors must disclose any use of AI tools in the preparation of the manuscript. The disclosure should indicate the name of the tool, the purpose for which it was used (for example language editing, translation, data analysis, code generation or drafting assistance) and the extent of its contribution to the manuscript. The statement should be included in the acknowledgements section or in a separate declaration within the manuscript.

Permitted Use

AI tools may be used for language editing, translation, formatting assistance and limited analytical or coding support. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality and integrity of the manuscript, including any material generated or modified with the assistance of such tools.

Prohibited Use

The submission of AI-generated text as original scholarly analysis without disclosure is not permitted. The fabrication of data, citations or references using AI tools is prohibited. Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscript content into AI systems or use such systems to generate peer-review reports. The misleading manipulation of images, figures or research data is likewise not permitted.

Responsibility and Verification

Authors must verify all information produced with the assistance of AI tools, including references, quotations, data and factual statements. Any errors, inaccuracies or ethical concerns arising from the use of such tools remain the responsibility of the authors.

Editors and reviewers may use AI tools solely for language assistance and must not upload confidential manuscript content into systems that may store or reuse submitted material.

Failure to comply with this policy may be treated as a breach of publication ethics and may result in editorial action, including rejection of the manuscript, publication of a correction, or retraction of the article.