Australia is setting new, strict boundaries for the use of artificial intelligence in the music industry. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has decided that songs created entirely or primarily by AI will no longer be eligible for the country's official music charts.
The "Substantially Human Made" Requirement
Under the new rules, a recording must be "substantially human made" to qualify. ARIA clarifies that generative AI is not banned entirely but must only serve in a supportive role. Specifically, the following are excluded:
- Entirely AI-generated songs.
- Recordings where the majority of core creative elements are AI-produced.
- Tracks where lead vocals or primary instrumental parts are generated by AI.
The association now holds the power to remove songs retroactively and even revoke "No. 1 Awards" or certifications if a track is later found to violate these criteria.
The Catalyst: The "Like a Prayer" Controversy
The policy change follows the viral success of Brisbane producer Josh Fawaz. His cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" became the most-played song on Australian radio in July, amassing over 48 million Spotify streams. However, following industry backlash, the song's credits were updated to reveal that AI was used for both the vocals and the drums.
A Global Shift in Industry Standards
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd emphasized that human creativity must remain at the core of the industry. This move aligns Australia with international standards set by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which is pushing for a unified global approach. A similar precedent was set earlier this year in Sweden, where the AI-generated track "Jag vet, du är inte min" was disqualified from official charts despite topping streaming rankings.
