Songs that are largely or entirely created using artificial intelligence (AI) will no longer be eligible for Australia’s official music charts under new rules introduced by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)

The new policy requires music submitted for chart consideration to be “substantially human made.” ARIA says the move is intended to protect human creativity and ensure that Australian artists can compete fairly in an increasingly crowded music industry. The decision follows growing concerns about AI-generated music gaining popularity and competing directly with songs created by human artists. The new rules still allow musicians to use AI as a supporting tool. Artists can use technologies such as AI-assisted mastering, drum machines and auto-tune. However, the rules require humans to have writ

The new policy requires music submitted for chart consideration to be “substantially human made.” ARIA says the move is intended to protect human creativity and ensure that Australian artists can compete fairly in an increasingly crowded music industry. The decision follows growing concerns about AI-generated music gaining popularity and competing directly with songs created by human artists. The new rules still allow musicians to use AI as a supporting tool. Artists can use technologies such as AI-assisted mastering, drum machines and auto-tune. However, the rules require humans to have written the song and performed the lead vocals and primary instruments. Artists must also declare any use of AI when submitting their music for chart consideration. ARIA can review a song after release and adjust its chart position if it is later found to have been largely generated by AI. The policy follows controversy surrounding Australian DJ Josh Fawaz and his AI-assisted cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” The track reached number one on the ARIA Dance Singles Chart and peaked at number two on the overall Australian chart before Fawaz later added generative AI credits following public criticism. ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd said music created wholesale by AI systems trained on artists’ recordings is fundamentally different from musicians using AI as a creative tool. The organisation also warned that songs found to be largely AI-generated could be removed from the charts, while artists whose songs reached number one could potentially be asked to return awards associated with that achievement. Australia’s decision comes amid growing international debate over the role of AI in the music industry. Earlier this year, a song was excluded from Sweden’s music charts because it was created using AI, while the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has announced plans to introduce AI-related guidelines for official charts in regions including Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also promised stronger protections for the country’s creative industries, saying writers and musicians should have control over whether their work is used to train AI systems and should be paid when their work is used. The latest chart rules therefore mark another major step in the growing effort to balance technological innovation with human creativity and artists’ rights.