Australia’s official music charts are introducing new rules that will exclude music created primarily by artificial intelligence (AI). However, this won’t completely prevent artists from using AI in human-made recordings, the BBC reported.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) said the changes are intended to preserve the role of human creativity in the music industry. Under the updated rules, songs eligible for the charts must be written by people, with humans performing the lead vocals and primary instruments.
AI tools can still be used in parts of the production process, including mastering. Technologies such as drum machines and Auto-Tune are also permitted.
The changes follow controversy surrounding Australian DJ Josh Fawaz’s cover of Madonna’s «Like a Prayer.» The track reached No. 1 on ARIA’s dance singles chart and No. 2 on the overall chart, while accumulating more than 48 million streams on Spotify. Fawaz later added generative AI credits to the release following criticism.
The updated code is based on guidance from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and also excludes recordings that raise concerns about manipulation of streaming figures or chart results. Similar AI-related chart rules have been introduced or are being developed in other markets.
Australia has also become the first country in the world to ban children under 16 from social media platforms, paving the way for other nations such as New Zealand, which is preparing draft legislation with a similar purpose.
