Australia’s top music charts ban AI songs

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has decided to prohibit wholly AI-generated tracks from being eligible for the ARIA Charts, in a move aimed at preserving the human element of artistic expression. The new rules, set to take effect from Friday, stipulate that music must have a substantial human component in order to qualify for the charts.

Tracks that rely solely on AI for the generation of all or the primary creative elements will be excluded from the ARIA Charts. However, recordings that employ generative AI in a supplementary capacity will still be eligible. This decision stems from mounting apprehensions within the music industry regarding the proliferation of AI-generated music on the airwaves.

In July, a Madonna cover featuring AI-generated vocals and drums ascended to the top of the charts in Australia, sparking controversy following revelations about its artificial origins. Streaming giant Spotify has announced plans to introduce an "AI Persona" badge to distinctly label content produced by AI, rather than real individuals.

Additionally, over a third of new uploads to Apple Music are entirely generated by AI, according to a platform executive who spoke with Billboard this year. Earlier this year, several prominent music industry organizations unveiled a labeling system for AI-generated content that they advocate for widespread adoption. These developments underscore the organization's commitment to maintaining the integrity of Australian music while adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd emphasized that the ARIA Charts will continue to serve as a transparent gauge of the music consumed by Australians, but a chart that rewards unlicensed AI output would undermine the very essence of the recorded music that the organization aims to represent.