# Beyond recommendations: expanding the ethical discourse on AI-assisted academic writing

## TL;DR

This paper expands the ethical discussion around using AI in academic writing, suggesting clearer guidelines and addressing issues like bias and environmental impact.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a graded typology for AI involvement and proposes institutional regulatory mechanisms for ethical AI use in academic publishing.

## Key findings

- A graded typology of AI involvement is needed to better define ethical boundaries in academic writing.
- Systemic risks such as linguistic bias and corporate concentration require institutional-level regulation.
- Editorial and research training should incorporate ethical AI use to ensure equitable and sustainable practices.

## Abstract

In response to Cheng et al.’s article on ethical recommendations for artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted academic writing, we propose an expanded ethical discourse to address the evolving role of AI in scholarly communication. While applauding the authors’ foundational framework, we argue for greater disciplinary specificity, clearer thresholds for AI contribution, and broader consideration of systemic risks including linguistic bias, environmental impact, and corporate concentration. We advocate for the development of a graded typology of AI involvement, institution-led regulatory mechanisms, and integration of ethical AI use into editorial and research training practices. These enhancements are essential for building equitable, transparent, and sustainable AI governance in academic publishing.