Australia bans largely AI-generated songs from its music charts, while allowing limited AI assistance in human-made music.
ARIA Tightens Rules on AI Music
Australia has banned largely AI-generated songs from its official music charts. The new rule took effect this week.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) now requires releases to be “substantially human made”. The move aims to protect human creativity in music.
It follows controversy around DJ Josh Fawaz’s cover of Madonna’s Like A Prayer. The track reached No. 2 on Australia’s overall chart. It also topped the dance singles chart before facing an AI backlash.
AI Can Still Assist Human Artists
However, AI is not completely banned from chart music. Artists can still use AI for mastering, Auto-Tune and other production tasks. They can also use drum machines and similar tools.
Still, humans must write the song and perform the lead vocal. They must also play the main instruments. This means AI can support the creative process, but cannot take over the main artistic work.
ARIA Warns Against Unlicensed AI MusicARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd said the charts should promote “the human nature of artistry”. She also warned against music created wholesale from artists’ recordings without permission.
“A chart that rewards unlicensed AI output would undercut the very basis of the recorded music we exist to represent,” she said.
Artists must now declare AI use when submitting songs. ARIA can also change chart positions later if major AI use is discovered.
Peking Duk Supports the Move
The decision has received support from Australian electronic duo Peking Duk. The group recently shared an AI-assisted version of their hit High, joking about radio rules.
Meanwhile, member Adam Hyde said AI music was “removing the human experience from life”.
Australia’s move comes as global music bodies tighten AI rules. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry plans similar guidelines across several regions.
The message is clear; AI can assist musicians, but it should not replace them.
