AI-generated songs banned from Australian music charts -…

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has updated its official Charts Code of Practice to exclude songs that are mostly or entirely created by artificial intelligence. This policy shift, effective as of late August 2024, mandates that only music that is substantially human-made and free from manipulation concerns can qualify for the nation's official music charts.

What happened

The regulatory change follows significant industry scrutiny regarding a cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" produced by Queensland DJ Josh Fawaz. In July 2024, the track became a top-performing song on Australian radio and reached the number four position on two ARIA charts. The song drew widespread criticism from music industry figures who alleged the use of generative AI. Fawaz later updated the track's metadata on Spotify to acknowledge that the vocals and drums were AI-generated, framing the technology as a tool used in the production process.

ARIA’s new rules, which align with global standards set by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), grant the association the power to remove ineligible recordings, adjust chart positions, and revoke awards. Under these guidelines, music featuring lead vocals or key instrumentals generated by AI may be disqualified. ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd emphasized that while AI tools are increasingly common, music generated wholly by services built upon existing artists' recordings requires strict oversight. The decision reflects broader concerns regarding the use of copyrighted material to train AI models without authorization from rights holders. Artists and representatives retain the right to contest any exclusions under the new framework.