Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we write, review, and publish research. But with rapid change comes confusion: what exactly are journals and publishers allowing? More importantly, what do they forbid?
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To help you stay on the right side of editorial policies, the official AI guidelines from four major academic publishers – Elsevier, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and Sage are reviewed and can be found below.
The Core Consensus (What All Publishers Agree On)
Side‑by‑Side Comparison of Key Policies
- AI‑generated text: Allowed for language improvement, readability, idea generation.
- AI‑generated images/figures: Prohibited (especially images with personal data).
- Where to disclose: In manuscript or cover letter.
- Risk warnings: Data privacy, accuracy, plagiarism.
- AI‑generated text: Allowed for language enhancement (must declare).
- AI‑generated images/figures: Strictly prohibited (no AI‑edited photos).
- Where to disclose: In the manuscript (not only cover letter).
- Risk warnings: Data confidentiality during peer review.
- AI‑generated text: Allowed for ideation and polishing – check journal specifics.
- AI‑generated images/figures: Prohibited for manuscripts.
- Where to disclose: In manuscript, with tool name, version, and purpose.
- Risk warnings: Hallucinations, bias, copyright infringement.
- AI‑generated text: Allowed, but classified: assistive (no declaration) vs generative (must declare).
- AI‑generated images/figures: Not explicitly banned, but must disclose if used.
- Where to disclose: In methods or acknowledgements – be specific.
- Risk warnings: Editors may reject for undisclosed use.
The Reflective Triad
Every publisher repeats the same message: AI cannot – and will never – be listed as a co‑author. Authorship requires accountability, and algorithms have none.
Failing to disclose AI assistance can lead to desk rejection. Transparency is the BEST strategy.
While text generation is generally tolerated (with disclosure), AI‑generated images and figures face much stricter scrutiny. Wiley and Taylor & Francis outright ban them. Elsevier also prohibits certain types. Sage is slightly more permissive but still requires disclosure.
Practical Tips for Researchers
- Always read the journal’s “Guide for Authors” – even within the same publisher, individual journals may have stricter policies.
- Add a disclosure statement to the manuscript template.
- Never paste the entire manuscript into a public AI chatbot – use local or private instances if available.
- Keep records – which AI tools are used, which version, and for what tasks.
Sources (official policies as consulted)
- Elsevier: Generative AI policies for journals
- Wiley: Using AI in research publishing: your questions answered
- Taylor & Francis: AI Policy
- Sage: Artificial intelligence policy
Last updated: May 2026
This post is for educational and commentary purposes. All policy summaries are based on the official publisher guidelines linked above. Please always check the journal’s current author instructions before submission.
