The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has implemented new rules requiring music to be 'substantially human made' to qualify for official charts.

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has banned songs that are largely or wholly created by artificial intelligence from its music charts. Under the new policy, which took effect this week, all chart-eligible releases must be substantially human-made. The decision follows controversy surrounding a cover of Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' by DJ Josh Fawaz, which utilized generative AI and achieved high chart positions.

New Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the charts, artists must now declare any use of AI during the submission process. While AI tools remain permitted for tasks such as mastering, using drum machines, or applying auto-tune, the core of the music must be human-created. Specifically, humans must have written the song and performed the lead vocals and primary instruments. ARIA stated it may retrospectively adjust chart positions or request the return of awards if it discovers a song was largely generated by AI.

Rationale and Industry Context

ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd stated the changes aim to promote the 'human nature of artistry' in a crowded market. She noted that rewarding unlicensed AI output would undermine the recorded music industry. The new code aligns with guidelines from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which is implementing similar standards in regions including Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently pledged to provide strong protections for creatives regarding the use of their work in AI training.