Australia’s Music Industry Excludes AI-Only Tracks From Official Charts

Australia’s recorded music industry announced Tuesday that it will prohibit tracks created entirely through artificial intelligence from appearing on official charts, citing concerns that expanding generative technologies pose risks to working musicians. The decision by the Australian Record Industry Association represents a significant step in regulating AI’s role in commercial music production as the technology becomes increasingly accessible and sophisticated.

The announcement follows the viral success of an AI-assisted rendition of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” produced by an Australian musician using synthetic vocals and drums. The track climbed to number two on the ARIA top 20 Australian singles chart in May and has remained in the top 20 for 16 consecutive weeks, intensifying industry debate about generative AI’s appropriate place in music commerce.

Beginning Monday next week, ARIA will block wholly AI-generated compositions from its official charts, though music employing AI as a tool will remain permitted. To qualify, tracks must meet stringent requirements, including human songwriting, live lead vocals, and primary instruments performed by people, according to ARIA’s official guidelines.

Wholly AI-generated music will also be ineligible for the ARIA awards, the industry’s most prestigious honors. ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd stated the measures underscore the organization’s commitment to advancing human artistry during a period of rapid technological change.

Additionally, eligible tracks must be produced using licensed AI services. The policy addresses unauthorized training of AI systems on protected artist recordings—a practice that has allowed unlicensed material to reach streaming platforms without creator consent.

Australia’s stance aligns with international guidelines released in July by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, which stipulates that chart-eligible tracks must be “substantially human made.” The London-based organization represents the recording industry globally.

Alexis Weaver, a composer and lecturer at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, told Australian Broadcasting Corp. that emotions run high within the musical community regarding AI applications. While acknowledging the contentious nature of the debate, Weaver praised ARIA’s decision as a constructive move affirming the value of human creative work.