ARIA bars fully AI-created songs from Australian charts starting this week
The Australian Recording Industry Association will exclude tracks generated entirely by artificial intelligence from its charts, while AI-assisted songs that are largely human-made remain eligible.
Australia’s principal music chart authority, the Australian Recording Industry Association, announced that songs produced entirely by generative artificial intelligence will be barred from the ARIA Charts beginning this Friday. Under the updated Charts Code of Practice, recordings that incorporate AI only as a supporting element may still qualify if they are substantially human-made and do not appear to manipulate streaming or chart data.
The decision was prompted by a Queensland DJ, Josh Fawaz, whose AI-augmented rendition of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” became the most-played track on Australian radio and climbed to number four on two ARIA charts in July, sparking criticism from industry figures. ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd emphasized that the rule clarifies expectations for artists and calls on radio and other promoters to prioritize human-created music.
The policy mirrors principles issued by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, which aim to prevent AI-generated vocals or key instrumentals from qualifying for charts. Spotify has taken a separate approach, labeling AI personas but not flagging individual AI-produced recordings. The ban occurs amid broader debates over AI’s use of copyrighted material and forthcoming Australian government regulations to strengthen creators’ rights.
Why it matters
It sets a national standard for how AI-generated music is treated in mainstream charts, affecting artists, broadcasters and listeners.
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