Songs made mostly or entirely by artificial intelligence (AI) will no longer be allowed in Australia’s official music charts, starting this weekend.
Generative AI is technology that can study information and use what it learns to create things like words, pictures, videos or music. A person gives it instructions, called a prompt, telling it what to make.
The Australian Recording Industry Association, or ARIA, runs the charts that rank the most popular songs and albums across the Tasman in Australia.
New rules for the charts
Under ARIA’s new rules, music must be “substantially human made” to qualify for the charts. Songs created fully by AI won’t be allowed, although musicians can still use AI in smaller, supporting ways.
Eligible songs also can’t involve artificial streaming. This is when technology is used to make it look like a song has been played more times than it actually has.
The decision follows a public debate about Australian DJ Josh Fawaz’s version of Madonna’s song Like a Prayer. The track became popular on Australian radio and charts, before its Spotify credits were changed to show that AI had been used for the vocals and drums.
Under the new rules, artists and record companies will have to explain how AI was used in a recording. ARIA can reject or remove songs that break the rules, change chart positions, and even cancel Number One awards already given out. Musicians will be able to challenge a decision if they believe it’s unfair.
ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd said the changes would “promote the human nature of artistry.” She said AI tools could still have a place in music, but shouldn’t replace artists’ own creative work.
What about other countries?
In the United Kingdom, the Official Charts Company hasn’t made the same rule yet. New international guidelines say AI-assisted music can still qualify for official charts, as long as it’s mostly made by humans and doesn’t involve unfair play-count tricks.
It’s not yet known if New Zealand’s own music charts will bring in similar rules, but the debate over AI’s growing role in music looks set to continue around the world.
SMART Prep | Quick Question 
