Australian music charts to exclude fully AI-generated tracks
The Australian Recording Industry Association will no longer allow songs created entirely by AI to appear on the country's official music charts, starting this Friday. Tracks that use generative AI as a support tool remain eligible if they are substantially human-made and do not raise manipulation concerns. The policy aligns with global industry recommendations and also disqualifies ineligible tracks from ARIA Award consideration.
The new code takes effect this Friday, meaning any track created entirely by AI will be removed from chart eligibility in Australia. Songs incorporating generative AI as a supplementary tool remain eligible, provided they meet the dual criteria of being substantially human-made and free of any stream or chart manipulation concerns. Additionally, tracks that fail chart eligibility will also be barred from ARIA Award consideration.
ARIA's move follows the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's July recommendations on AI use in music. The policy also aligns with a recent push from major labels—including Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group—who collectively urged charting organizations to exclude what they termed "AI slop" from official rankings.
This policy could set a precedent for how other national charting bodies handle AI-generated music, potentially influencing global standards. Human artists may benefit from reduced competition against high-volume AI output, preserving chart relevance and award prestige. Listeners could gain clearer signals about the provenance of the music they consume, though some may see the rules as limiting creative experimentation. The music industry's response may shape broader debates about AI's role in creative fields.