What Publishers Actually Say

Before using AI in your writing, understand that all major scientific publishers have converged on remarkably consistent policies. Here is the consensus:

Rule	Nature	Elsevier	Science/AAAS	ICMJE
AI cannot be an author
Disclosure required for generative use	In Methods	Declaration section	Cover letter + Methods/Acks	Cover letter + appropriate section
Basic grammar/spell check exempt from disclosure	Yes	Yes	—	—
AI-generated images forbidden	Yes (rare exceptions)	Yes	Yes (editor permission only)	—
Reviewers must NOT upload manuscripts to AI	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Human accountability for final version	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

The core principle across all publishers: AI is a tool to assist your writing, not replace your thinking. You remain fully accountable. Use it like you would use a human proofreader or a colleague who gives feedback — not like a ghostwriter.

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The Traffic Light System

Think of AI writing tasks in three categories:

• Good, ethical use
• Use with caution
• Don’t use

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