AI tools tackle paper mill fraud overwhelming peer review
By 
Nina Notman2025-10-20T08:33:00
With more article submissions and fraudulent activity than ever before, journal peer review processes are creaking under the pressure. Nina Notman discovers how AI and automated tools are taking some of the strain
Scientific publishers are deploying AI tools to combat the growing threat of paper mill fraud, which has overwhelmed traditional peer review systems. These technologies screen manuscripts for signs of manipulation – such as fake author credentials, suspicious citations and AI-generated text – before they reach reviewers. While automation is easing editorial workloads, experts warn that deeper systemic reform is needed to restore integrity to academic publishing.