In brief
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has introduced a rule preventing songs that are largely or wholly produced by artificial intelligence from appearing on its national charts. The move follows a controversy surrounding a AI‑enhanced cover of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” that topped the dance singles chart and swelled to number two on the overall chart. While AI tools can still be used for certain production aspects, the new code requires that humans write the core music, perform the lead vocals and handle primary instruments. The ban aligns with similar measures in Sweden and the IFPI’s forthcoming guidelines for many regions, as stakeholders weigh the challenge of protecting artists’ rights in an AI‑rich landscape. Supporters include Melbourne duo Peking Duk, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to safeguard creative control over AI training data.
From Monday, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) will ensure only songs that are "substantially human made" can climb the national rankings. The new code came after a controversy over Australian DJ Josh Fawaz’s AI‑enhanced cover of Madonna’s "Like A Prayer," which had reached the top of the dance singles chart and peaked at number 2 on the overall ARIA list.
Fawaz’s track was streamed more than 48 million times on Spotify alone, and when the backlash mounted the artist afterwards added a credit line for the generative‑AI software. ARIA’s chief executive, Annabelle Herd, said the change was a response to "the most crowded market in history" and that the charts should reflect human artistry rather than unlicensed AI outputs.
Under the updated rules, AI can still accompany the creative process—artists may use it for backing tracks, mastering or auto‑tune—but the central songwriting, lead vocals and primary instruments must be performed by humans. The policy also guards against potential chart manipulation and will require artists to declare AI usage when submitting a song for consideration.
If a track in the future is found to be largely AI‑generated, ARIA may retroactively adjust its chart position and even request the return of any awards given for reaching number one.
Artists such as Melbourne duo Peking Duk support the move, citing that AI‑generated music "removes the human experience from life." In November last year, Peking Duk posted an AI‑assisted remix of their 2014 hit "High," hoping to illustrate the difference.
Globally, Sweden has already banned an AI‑created single from its charts, and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) plans to roll out comparable guidelines across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised "the strongest possible protection" for creators, stating that musicians will have control over how their work is used to train AI and must receive compensation if it is used without permission.
The ban marks a significant step in balancing technological innovation with safeguarding the creative contribution of human artists.
