Australian music charts will now exclude songs largely or wholly produced by artificial intelligence.
From this week onward, every release that aims for chart eligibility must be "substantially human‑made". ARIA announced that the new code is designed to promote the "human nature of artistry" and prevent AI‑generated tracks from dominating sales and streaming metrics.
The change follows an earlier controversy over Australian DJ Josh Fawaz’s AI‑enhanced cover of Madonna’s "Like A Prayer". The remix had climbed to number two on the overall Australian chart and was played on commercial radio while amassing more than 48 million Spotify streams. Fawaz later added generative‑AI credits after facing backlash.
ARIA stated that Australian artists now compete in what it calls "the most crowded market in history" and will no longer celebrate or promote purely AI‑created music that lacks human artistry. While AI assistance is allowed, the artist must have written the core of the song, performed the lead vocals and primary instruments, and credited AI use when submitting to the charts.
AI tools may still be employed for mastering, drum machines, or auto‑tune effects. The revised rules, based on the IFPI directive, also exclude music that raises "stream or chart manipulation concerns".
ARIAs chief executive Annabelle Herd said the new policy reflects a dynamic approach to advancing the human nature of music in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. The executive added that "a chart that rewards unlicensed AI output would undercut the very basis of the recorded music we exist to represent".
Artists will now have to declare AI involvement when submitting a track. If a song is later found to be largely AI‑generated, ARIA can retroactively adjust chart positions or even request the return of number‑one awards.
Notable supporters include Australian electronic duo Peking Duk, who highlighted an AI‑assisted re‑recording of their 2014 hit "High" on Instagram, calling AI music "removing the human experience from life". Band member Adam Hyde shared similar concerns on Channel Nine's Today show.
This regulatory shift aligns with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s pledge to protect creators, asserting that musicians should retain control over how their work is used in AI training and be compensated for its use.
