Songs Created by AI Banned from Australia's Music Charts
BBC News
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Songs must be "substantially human made" to be included in Australia's charts
By Simon Atkinson
Published 1 hour ago
Songs that are largely or wholly created by AI have been banned from Australia's music charts, effective immediately.
From this week, all releases must be "substantially human made" to qualify for the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) charts.
The association said the new code would help "promote the human nature of artistry." This move follows a controversy surrounding a cover of Madonna's Like A Prayer by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz, which recently topped the ARIA dance singles chart and peaked at number 2 on the overall chart.
Fawaz later added generative AI credits to the song after facing criticism.
ARIA stated that Australian artists face stiff competition in a crowded market and they are not interested in promoting or celebrating the success of AI-generated music that does not contain human artistry.
Under the new rules:
- AI assistance can still be used, but humans must write the song, perform the lead vocal, and play primary instruments.
- AI can also be used for mastering songs and for tools like drum machines and auto-tune.
This aligns with a recent trend in music industry regulations. Earlier this year, a song was banned from Sweden's charts due to its AI creation, and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced plans to implement AI guidelines globally.
The updated ARIA code also excludes music that raises "stream or chart manipulation concerns." Artists will be required to declare AI use when submitting songs for chart consideration. If it's later discovered a song was largely AI-generated, ARIA can adjust chart positions and potentially request the return of any awards won.
Artists like Australian electronic duo Peking Duk have expressed support for the move, posting an AI-assisted version of their hit High on Instagram with the caption: "When you re-record your own song with AI so Australian radio will play it."
Band member Adam Hyde told Channel Nine's Today show that AI-generated music was "removing the human experience from life."
In July, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised strong protections for creatives against AI, emphasizing their right to choose how and if their work is used in AI training.