The Australian Recording Industry Association implemented new eligibility requirements for its music charts, effective this week, that prohibit songs generated largely or entirely through artificial intelligence. The policy mandates that all chart submissions must be substantially human-made to qualify for consideration.
The decision followed controversy surrounding an AI-assisted cover of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz. The track achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two on Australia’s overall chart and accumulating over 48 million streams on Spotify before Fawaz added generative AI credits following backlash. ARIA stated it aimed to “promote the human nature of artistry” and declined to celebrate the success of AI-generated music lacking human creative input, noting that Australian artists face competition in an exceptionally saturated marketplace.
Under the updated framework, artificial intelligence tools may still be employed in certain capacities, provided humans compose the song, perform lead vocals, and play primary instruments. AI use is permissible for mastering, drum machines, and auto-tune applications. Artists must declare any AI implementation when submitting work for chart consideration. ARIA reserves the right to retrospectively adjust chart positions if music is later determined to be substantially AI-generated, and may request the return of awards granted for reaching number one.
The new code aligns with guidelines from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, with similar AI restrictions having been adopted in Sweden earlier this year and planned rollouts across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The policy also excludes music raising concerns about stream or chart manipulation. Artists retain the ability to challenge their exclusion from the charts.
Several Australian musicians have voiced support for the measure, including electronic act Peking Duk, which recently demonstrated concerns about AI music by sharing an AI-assisted version of their own song on social media. In July, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged “the strongest possible protection” for Australian creatives regarding AI, affirming that artists should retain control over whether their work is used in AI training with appropriate compensation.
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