Dramatic increases in redundant publications in the Generative AI era

The rapid growth in redundant publications (a 17-fold increase between 2022 and 2024) suggests a systemic failure of editorial checks. These papers distort meta-analyses and scientometric studies, waste scarce peer review resources, and pose a significant threat to the integrity of the scientific record. Current checks for redundant publications and plagiarism are no longer fit for purpose in the GenAI era; greater co-operation between publishers and modified guidelines will be needed to address new innovations in paper mill production.