Generative Artificial Intelligence: How to Cite AI

Citing Generative AI

3 steps for citing GenAI in your work

Make sure it is ethical for you to use GenAI output (see AI and Academic Integrity).

Fact-check any content you plan to use to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Cite or acknowledge your use properly.

See below for guidance on how to cite/acknowledge the use of GenAI.

Citing AI in MLA style

Generative AI in MLA style
As of June 2023, MLA does not recommend treating an AI tool as an author, and instead using the Title of Container element to specify the AI tool.

Citing AI in APA style

Generative AI in APA style
As of June 2023, APA style recommends citing the AI tool as the author, with in-text citations and references adapted from the reference template for software in Section 10.10 of the Publication Manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, Chapter 10).

Citing AI in Chicago Style

Generative AI in Chicago style
As of June 2023, Chicago style does cite AI tool as author, with the following example: "ChatGPT is the author of the content, and the date is the date the text was generated. OpenAI (the organization that developed ChatGPT) is then listed as the publisher or sponsor of the content."

Other Citation Options

Check out these resources, if you have content that may not fall under an available standard. If creating something for publication, always check to see if the resource's style guide includes how to cite AI.

STEM LibGuide Resources: Citing ChatGPT, Library, University of California, Santa Barbara
ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, Library, University of Queensland
ChatGPT and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-generated content and citation, Library, University of Waterloo

Copyright and AI

Copyright and Artificial Intelligence - U.S. Copyright Office
The Copyright Office has launched an initiative to examine the copyright law and policy issues raised by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including the scope of copyright in works generated using AI tools and the use of copyrighted materials in AI training. Includes "Copyright Registration Guidance for Works Containing AI-Generated Material" and links to training webinars.

This page was created in collaboration with Tricia Bertram Gallant, P.h.D., Director of UCSD Academic Integrity Office & Triton Testing Center.