AI use policy for contributors

Introduction

As artificial intelligence (“AI”) continues to rapidly evolve, and AI tools increase in number and accessibility, the use of AI is becoming more common. The IAPP recognizes both the value of AI as well as its risks and limitations, and consistent with the AI principles adopted by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), has developed this policy to support the responsible use of AI while protecting the integrity of IAPP content. This policy may be modified or updated from time to time; the latest version can always be found at https://iapp.org/about/contributor-ai-policy.

Applicability

Any person developing or contributing content (each a “Contributor”) for:

• publication or distribution by the IAPP, or
• incorporation in or use in connection with an IAPP product or service, and/or
• an IAPP-affiliated event, conference, web conference, training or meeting

(“Contributed Content”) is required to comply with this policy. The Contributor is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy by any person who assists or supports them with the Contributed Content, e.g. through conducting research, writing or editing. “Contributed Content” may include, without limitation, any of the following, whether printed, electronic, or delivered orally (live or recorded, virtual or online): articles, hand-outs, brochures, books, white papers, blog posts (or any portion thereof) exam questions, presentations, training materials, or speeches.

This policy applies to both AI-Assisted Content and AI Generated Content as those terms are defined below.

AI-Assisted Content means content that was authored or created by the Contributor without using AI, and subsequently translated or refined, improved, or corrected (e.g. with respect to spelling, grammar, phrasing or structure) using AI tools, applications or programs.

AI-Generated Content means content (for example text, images, graphics, audio, or video) initially created or generated by AI tools, applications or programs based on the Contributor’s prompts or direction. Any content generated in this way, even where the Contributor has made significant changes, is considered "AI Generated Content."

Responsibility/Accountability

AI tools or applications cannot be identified as authors or co-authors of Contributed Content. Contributors are solely responsible for compliance with this policy and for the quality, integrity and accuracy of their Contributed Content, including Contributed Content developed using AI, notwithstanding the IAPP’s review and acceptance of the Contributed Content. Without limiting the foregoing, Contributors should consider the following when using AI for the Contributed Content or to conduct research for, review or edit the Contributed Content¹:

• Accuracy – AI Generated Content may contain incorrect or misleading information (so-called “hallucinations”). This can happen for a variety of reasons, e.g. if the topic is beyond the scope of the data set on which the AI was trained, or if the data set is not up to date; output may also contain inaccurate citations. Contributors should verify that all information in their Contributed Content (including citations) is current and accurate.
• Infringement – AI Generated Content may copy portions of underlying proprietary and/or protected works in the training data set and include them in the created content; inclusion of the copied portions in Contributed Content could give rise to claims of plagiarism or other infringement of intellectual property. To mitigate this risk, Contributors should review the original sources of any AI Generated Content.
• Bias – AI Generated Content may reflect gender, race, political or other biases based on biases in the underlying training dataset or the programming of the tool itself. Contributors should carefully review generated content and original sources to identify and eliminate biases in Contributed Content.

The use of free AI tools, applications or programs may exacerbate the foregoing risks as well as others.

Proprietary information or sensitive personal information should not be shared or input into any AI tools, applications or programs in connection with Contributed Content. Without limiting the foregoing, under no circumstances shall any materials, files, data, information or other content owned by the IAPP be shared or input into, or used to train, any AI tool, application or program.

¹ For comprehensive information about the risks associated with using AI, and risk management strategies, Contributors may consult the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Trustworthy and Responsible AI profile (NIST AI 600-1).

Using AI for Contributed Content; Disclosure Requirements

The IAPP recognizes the value of AI tools, applications and programs to support and assist Contributors with productivity and efficiency, and therefore welcomes the inclusion of AI Assisted Content in Contributed Content. Contributors need not disclose the use or inclusion of AI Assisted Content in their Contributed Content, but may be required to cite such use in accordance with the relevant citation standard.

Unless the IAPP has informed the Contributor otherwise, the use of AI Generated Content in connection with Contributed Content is permitted, subject to the following:

• The Contributed Content should reflect the novel intellectual contributions and critical thinking of the Contributor.

• Contributed Content must NOT be derived substantially from AI Generated Content.
• Contributed Content MUST be reviewed by one or more human beings prior to submission to the IAPP.
• Upon submission of the Contributed Content to the IAPP, the Contributor must disclose to the IAPP any use or inclusion of AI Generated Content in or in connection with the Contributed Content (including how and where used). Contributor shall promptly provide additional details of such use or inclusion upon request from the IAPP.
• The Contributor must maintain written or electronic records with respect to AI Generated Content used on or in connection with Contributed Content and promptly provide copies of such records to the IAPP upon request.
• The Contributor shall cite the use or inclusion of AI Generated Content in the Contributed Content in accordance with the Chicago Manual of Style or such other standard as IAPP may from time to time designate.

The IAPP reserves the right to reject or refuse to publish Contributed Content or any portion thereof if it suspects or determines, in its sole discretion, that a Contributor has not complied with this policy.