1. Introduction

   This policy outlines the guidelines for the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)
   within Contract Laboratory‘s editorial processes. It covers the use of AI-generated text,
   data, and imagery for both in-house and contributed content. The policy is designed to ensure that our use of AI
   tools aligns with Contract Laboratory‘s commitment to accuracy, transparency, and ethical
   standards in publishing.

2. Scope

   This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and contributors involved in the editorial process at Contract
   Laboratory, including writers, editors, illustrators, and content managers.

3. In-House Editorial Use

1. Content Creation and Editing: Generative AI may be used in-house to assist with
   idea generation, subject research and content structuring. Where AI-assisted tools support our creative process,
   all content is edited, fact-checked, and approved by our editorial team to ensure it meets Contract Laboratory’s
   quality standards and adheres to brand style guidelines before it is published.
2. Fact-Checking and Verification: AI-generated content and data must be subjected
   to rigorous fact-checking and certification processes, similar to any other source of information.
3. Attribution: In instances where AI-assisted tools have been used to generate
   text, the following disclaimer will be included to ensure transparency to our readers.*This content includes
   text that has been generated with the assistance of AI. Contract Laboratory encourages the use of new tools and
   technologies that enhance our editorial process. Our full editorial policy can be found here

4. Contributed Content

1. Submission Guidelines: Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) must be declared, and
   clearly explained. Writers who use AI or AI-assisted tools during the writing process must disclose their use
   upon submission of the draft to Contract Laboratory.
2. Review and Approval: Content contributed by external authors will be subject to
   the same rigorous review and verification processes as in-house content. The use of AI does not exempt
   contributions from meeting our editorial standards.
3. Ethical Standards: Any use of AI must not breach journalistic ethics and
   plagiarism will not be tolerated – Contract Laboratory’s editorial team runs all contributed content through
   trusted plagiarism detection software as part of the publication’s standard review process. Contributions
   involving AI-generated content must adhere to ethical standards, avoiding misinformation, bias, and infringement
   on intellectual property rights.

5. Use of AI Generated Imagery

1. Creation and Use: AI-generated images can be used where appropriate for editorial
   content, provided they meet our standards for accuracy and relevance.
2. Disclosure: The use of AI-generated imagery must be clearly disclosed to the
   audience, either within the content or in an accompanying statement.
3. Copyright and Licensing: Care must be taken to ensure that AI-generated images do
   not infringe on copyrights or other intellectual property rights. Images must be created and used in compliance with
   all relevant laws and licensing agreements.

6. Legal and Ethical Considerations

1. Compliance: All uses of generative AI must comply with current laws regulations
   concerning copyright, data security, and privacy.
2. Ethical Use: AI tools must be used responsibly, avoiding the intentional creation or
   dissemination of misleading, biased, or harmful content.

7. Training and Awareness

   Employees and contributors must be provided with training on the ethical use of AI tools, including understanding
   the limitations and biases of these technologies.

8. Monitoring, Review, and Updates

   Contract Laboratory appreciates that this area is changing rapidly. As such, it will monitor developments related to
   the use of generative AI in publishing and update as necessary to reflect technological advancements, legal changes,
   and evolving best practices in the use of generative AI in editorial processes.

Updated June 14, 2023