Australia bans fully AI-generated songs from music charts
Australia is moving to exclude fully AI-generated songs from its official music charts, as the country’s recorded music industry seeks to protect human creativity and maintain the integrity of its rankings.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has updated its Charts Code of Practice to require recordings involving generative AI to be “substantially human made” to qualify. The new rules will take effect with the chart dated August 31, 2026.
The change does not amount to a complete ban on AI in music. Songs in which AI is used as a supporting tool can still qualify, provided the recording is substantially created by humans, complies with relevant laws and does not raise concerns about streaming or chart manipulation.
The policy follows controversy over an AI-assisted version of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer”, produced by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz. The track reached number two on an ARIA Australian singles chart in May and spent 16 weeks in Australia’s top 20, prompting renewed debate over the role of AI in music.
ARIA said the new rules are intended to preserve the human nature of artistry while recognising that musicians are increasingly using AI as part of the creative process.
Under the new rules, ARIA can remove recordings deemed ineligible, adjust chart positions and withdraw awards or accreditations.
The decision comes as the global music industry grapples with the rapid growth of AI-generated music, raising wider questions about copyright, artists’ livelihoods, transparency and what should qualify as human-created music.
