Integrity policy

Each entry must be accompanied by an Entry Validation Card, signed by a senior representative of the submitting agency, company, or freelance lead. The Entry Validation Card serves as a Code of Conduct declaration, confirming that:

• All information and claims are accurate and verifiable.
• All necessary client approvals and rights have been secured.
• Any AI use has been fully disclosed in line with D&AD’s requirements.
• This individual accepts accountability for the entry on behalf of their organisation.

Entrants must provide a structured disclosure of any AI involvement at the point of entry, covering:

• Tools Used (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, Runway).
• Purpose (e.g., ideation, scripting, design, image generation).
• Final Output (whether AI-generated material appears in the submitted work or case study).

AI disclosure applies to all categories and covers both:

• The creative process, and
• All submission materials, including case films and supporting documentation.

Failure to disclose AI use may result in disqualification.

D&AD reserves the right to use a combination of human-led review and AI-powered verification tools to evaluate entries. Verification tools may be used to:

• Detect manipulated or fabricated media.
• Assess the validity of performance and impact claims.
• Flag anomalies or inconsistencies for further review.

Any entry flagged will be subject to additional checks, with entrants given the opportunity to provide further evidence or clarification.

Entries may be disqualified at any stage, including after judging, if they are found to contain:

• False or misleading claims about performance, results, or impact.
• Fabricated evidence or manipulated materials.
• Undisclosed AI-generated work.

D&AD reserves the right to revoke awards, publicise disqualifications, and apply sanctions (including temporary bans on future participation) where serious breaches occur.

Entrants will be notified if their work is flagged during verification. They will be given a defined period to provide clarification or additional evidence.

Serious breaches of D&AD’s Terms and Conditions and Integrity Policy will be reviewed and considered by the D&AD Executive Advisory Group on Awards Integrity & Standards.

Final decisions rest with D&AD and are not subject to further appeal.

All measures outlined in this policy will be continually reviewed to reflect the fast-paced changes in technology, regulation, and industry practice. D&AD is committed to adapting its standards and processes as needed to ensure the Awards remain fair, transparent, and trusted by the global creative community.

This Integrity Policy applies to all entries submitted for the 2026 D&AD Awards and forms part of the official Terms & Conditions of entry.