Australia’s music charts ban AI-made songs amid backlash over Madonna cover

AI-generated music has been prohibited from being featured on Australia's music charts, effective immediately. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) implemented this new rule to emphasize the importance of human involvement in artistic creation. The regulation follows a recent controversy surrounding a cover of Madonna's "Like A Prayer" by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz, which topped both the ARIA dance singles chart and the country's overall chart.

After receiving backlash, Fawaz added generative AI credits to the song. ARIA expressed concern over the growing competition in the music market and its lack of interest in promoting AI-generated music that lacks human artistry.

Under the new guidelines, AI assistance remains permissible, but the song must still be substantially created by humans, featuring lead vocals and primary instruments performed by people. AI can still be utilized for mastering songs and other processes, such as employing drum machines and auto-tune. Earlier this year, a song was banned from Sweden's music charts due to its AI-generated nature, and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced plans to introduce AI guidelines in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia in July.

ARIA's CEO, Annabelle Herd, stated that these changes aim to maintain the dynamic nature of artistry while adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Artists currently use AI tools in their work, and the charts should accommodate this creativity. However, AI-generated music produced entirely through services relying on artists' recordings is treated differently.

ARIA requires artists to disclose AI use when submitting a song for chart consideration. If it is later determined that a song is predominantly AI-generated, ARIA may revise chart positions retrospectively and request the return of any awards received for reaching Number One.

The move has garnered support from several artists, including the Australian electronic act Peking Duk. In a recent post on Instagram, they shared an AI-assisted version of their 2014 hit "High on," captioning it: "When you re-record your own song with AI so Australian radio will play it." Adam Hyde, a member of the band, expressed concern over AI-generated music removing the human experience from life.

In July 2022, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised the strongest possible protection for Australian creatives against AI, pledging that writers and musicians would retain control over their work and be fairly compensated for its use in AI training.