Australia bans fully AI-generated music from top charts

Sydney, Aug 25 — Artificial intelligence-generated music will be prohibited from Australia's top music charts according to a new set of guidelines aimed at preserving the "human essence of artistry," announced the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) on Tuesday. The new rules, effective from Friday, stipulate that music must be "mainly human-created" to qualify for the charts.

According to ARIA, "completely AI-produced tracks will not be eligible for the ARIA Charts." The group explained that it will exclude songs wherein AI is utilized to generate the "whole or main creative components." However, ARIA clarified that "recordings employing generative AI in a supportive role will still be eligible." This decision comes in response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated music being broadcasted.

In July, a cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" topped the charts in Australia, but faced criticism due to its usage of AI-generated vocals and drums. Streaming service Spotify announced plans to introduce an "AI Persona" badge to clearly indicate AI-generated content. Over a third of new uploads on Apple Music are entirely produced with AI, according to a platform executive who shared the information with Billboard this year.

Earlier this year, several prominent music industry organizations revealed a labeling system for AI-generated content that they hope will be universally adopted. ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd expressed ARIA's intent to stay adaptable and uphold the "human aspect of artistry" in this rapidly evolving landscape. "The ARIA Charts will continue to be a clear representation of the music Australians consume, but a chart that awards unlicensed AI output would undermine the very foundation of the recorded music we are committed to representing," Herd stated.