Australia's music industry regulator has implemented new rules requiring chart-eligible songs to be 'substantially human made,' following controversy over an AI-assisted cover that topped the charts.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has introduced updated chart eligibility requirements effective this week that prohibit songs created largely or entirely through artificial intelligence. Under the new framework, human creators must write the composition, perform lead vocals, and play primary instruments for a track to qualify for chart consideration. The decision follows significant backlash over an AI-assisted rendition of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz, which reached number two on the national charts and accumulated over 48 million Spotify streams.
ARIA's chief executive Annabelle Herd stated the changes aim to protect the integrity of charts in an increasingly competitive market. While AI tools can still support music production through mastering, drum machines, and auto-tune, the association emphasizes that wholesale AI-generated music—particularly content created using unlicensed artist recordings—undermines the foundation of recorded music representation. Artists submitting songs must now declare any AI usage, and the organization reserves the right to retrospectively adjust chart positions or request return of awards if undisclosed AI generation is discovered.
The policy aligns with international movements addressing AI's role in music. Sweden implemented similar restrictions earlier this year, and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry has begun rolling out comparable guidelines across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Australian artists including electronic act Peking Duk have publicly supported the measure, with band member Adam Hyde arguing that AI-generated music removes human experience from creative work. The move comes as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged "strongest possible protection" for creatives, emphasizing the importance of artist consent and compensation regarding AI training use.
