Scite
Scite is a research tool that helps users discover and analyze scientific papers by showing how they have been cited, highlighting supporting and contrasting evidence in the literature.
Scite is an AI-powered research platform that enables users to discover, analyze, and evaluate scientific literature by providing contextual insights into citations, revealing whether they support, contrast, or merely mention a paper's claims.[1][2][5] Its core value lies in transforming traditional citation counting into actionable intelligence through Smart Citations, powered by machine learning and natural language processing, alongside a vast database of over 1.9 billion unique citations from nearly 2 million journal articles, preprints, and datasets.[2][4][7]
Key features include the customizable Scite Assistant for conversational queries with cited responses, Tables functionality to automatically extract and structure data from peer-reviewed papers, visualization of citation networks and trends, reference checks for retractions, and export options to tools like Zotero or CSV for streamlined workflows.[1][3][5][6] Designed for researchers, academics, students, and enterprises conducting literature reviews, grant writing, or tracking research evolution, it excels in fields like biomedical sciences, engineering, and social sciences.[3][5][7]
What sets Scite apart is its focus on citation context and evidence classification—going beyond tools like Web of Science or Scopus by offering higher precision in categorizing citations, AI-driven data extraction at scale, and a ChatGPT-like interface grounded in verifiable scientific sources, significantly reducing manual effort and enhancing credibility assessment.[1][3][4][5]
Sources
- [1] https://www.researchsolutions.com/resources/press-releases/research-solutions-unveils-new-ai-capabilities-to-extract-data-from-scientific-literature
- [2] https://www.lib.ku.edu/database/scite
- [3] https://guides.lib.fsu.edu/c.php?g=1451713&p=10834695
- [4] https://library.einsteinmed.edu/c.php?g=1444483&p=10732086
- [5] https://humtech.ucla.edu/instructional-support/ai-toolkit-for-the-humanities-classroom/boosting-research-productivity-with-lesser-known-ai-tools-scite-and-julius/
- [6] https://libraries.coastal.edu/airesearchassistants/scite
- [7] https://medlib.belmont.edu/AI/scite
The ToS mentions AI-generated content but does not explicitly state whether user data or submitted content trains Scite'
No training opt-out mechanism was identified in the legal documents.
High risk across multiple dimensions. Only use with public, non-sensitive data.
The ToS mentions AI-generated content but does not explicitly state whether user data or submitted content trains Scite's AI models. The Privacy Policy is referenced but not provided, leaving the training practices unclear. Service improvement language is absent from the provided ToS excerpt.
“[ToS] 'The Service further allows users to request and receive artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content derived from Articles and Classifier Results'”
Section 7.3 grants Scite a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, sublicenseable, and transferable license to user Media, including for derivative works and business purposes. The license survives deletion and sublicenses may be perpetual, granting the vendor broad rights over user-submitted content.
“[ToS] 'You hereby grant the Company a worldwide, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, sublicenseable and transferable license to use, reproduce, display, transmit and prepare derivative works of your Media'”
The ToS references third-party payment processors and mentions service providers and partners in liability disclaimers, but does not detail data sharing practices, sub-processor lists, or DPA requirements. The Privacy Policy (not provided) would clarify sharing scope.
“[ToS] 'Payment processing for the Service is provided by such third-party payment processor as we may utilize from time to time' and 'THE COMPANY AND ITS LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS AND PARTNERS DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES'”
The ToS does not specify data retention periods, deletion timelines, or account termination cleanup procedures. Section 7.3 notes that licenses survive deletion 'to the extent necessary for a copy of your Media to be retained by the Company,' suggesting indefinite retention of some data.
“[ToS] 'you acknowledge that such licenses survive to the extent necessary for a copy of your Media to be retained by the Company'”
Section 4 explicitly states that AI Content is not owned by the Company: 'The Company Materials further do not include any AI Content. As between you and Company, the Company shall acquire no right, title, or interest in or to the AI Content.' Users retain ownership of generated outputs.
“[ToS] 'As between you and Company, the Company shall acquire no right, title, or interest in or to the AI Content'”
The ToS does not mention SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR compliance, HIPAA, or other security certifications. A trust page or security documentation is not referenced. The Privacy Policy (not provided) may contain compliance information.
“Not found in documents”
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