Australia has officially banned music that is largely or wholly created by artificial intelligence from featuring on its music charts, according to updates announced by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Under the new code of practice, all chart releases must be substantially human-made
in order to qualify for the main music chart, marking a major industry bid to stamp out fully generative tracks.
Australia Bans Fully AI-Generated Music From Official Charts
The revised guidelines state that songs wholly generated using artificial intelligence will not be eligible for the ARIA Charts. The policy excludes music that uses AI to generate the entirety or the primary portion of creative elements, or that raises stream and chart manipulation concerns.
Strict Standards For Human Creativity
While wholesale AI-generated tracks are barred, the rules permit certain forms of AI assistance. Under the updated framework, humans must have written the song and performed the lead vocal and primary instruments. Generative tools may still be used for mastering songs, utilizing drum machines, or applying auto-tune, provided the core product remains substantially human-made.
Artists will be required to declare AI use when submitting songs for chart consideration. ARIA warned that if it later emerges that music was largely AI-generated, it could retrospectively adjust chart positions. If a non-compliant piece managed to top the charts, the association may request that any awards given for reaching Number One be returned, though artists and their representatives will be able to challenge their exclusion.
Controversy Surrounding Madonna Cover
The policy shift follows a high-profile controversy surrounding a dance cover of Madonna’s 1989 hit Like a Prayer, created by Gold Coast-based DJ and producer Josh Fawaz. The track peaked at number two on Australia’s overall chart, reached fourth on the ARIA top 20 Australian singles chart, topped the ARIA dance singles chart, became a staple of commercial radio station playlists, and was streamed more than 48 million times on Spotify.
Scrutiny arose after generative AI was credited on Spotify for the track’s drums and vocals, prompting Fawaz to add generative AI credits following a public backlash.
Industry Response And Global Principles
ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd emphasized that the updated code aims to promote the human nature of artistry in a rapidly developing space. Herd stated that a chart rewarding unlicensed AI output would undercut the very basis of recorded music, noting that AI-generated music risks taking up chart spots from Australian artists.
Australian artists and electronic music acts have voiced support for the decision. Adam Hyde of the Australian electronic band Peking Duk welcomed the move during an appearance on Channel Nine’s Today show, arguing that generative AI removes the human experience from life.
ARIA’s decision follows global AI principles established in July by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The IFPI framework is being rolled out to official charts across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, alongside advocacy efforts directed at more than 20 other official chart programs throughout Europe and the Pacific.
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