The Major Labels Propose Rules to Keep AI Slop Off the Charts

Major record labels such as Universal, Sony, and Warner have put forth an ambitious proposal to exclude AI-generated songs from official music charts. According to the proposal, these songs would only be allowed if they are "substantially human made," appropriately labeled, produced legally, and devoid of manipulation issues. This proposal goes beyond a similar set of guidelines put forward by the RIAA, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), SAG-AFTRA, and other organizations, which simply aimed to create standardized labels for AI-generated and AI-assisted music.

The labels' proposal suggests that eligible songs should have a clear label attached to them, but also prevent their inclusion in international charts unless specific criteria are met. These criteria include being "substantially human made," adhering to the terms of service of the AI service used, possessing the rights to any data used in training the model, and not raising concerns related to stream or chart manipulation.

However, the exact nature of what constitutes "substantially human made" and the potential concerns related to manipulation remain unclear. Sony Music, Universal Music Group (UMG), and Mom+Pop Music have not provided immediate clarification on these points. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has supported this proposal, though no charting organization has indicated an immediate plan to adopt these rules.