ARIA Charts Update: New Rules on AI-Generated Music

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced a significant update to its Charts Code of Practice, prohibiting recordings developed entirely through generative AI technology. This pivotal change will come into effect for the ARIA Chart dated Monday, August 31, 2026, and represents a critical alignment with recent global principles laid out by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). The move comes in response to both industry scrutiny and a specific case involving a cover of Madonna's iconic track 'Like a Prayer' by DJ and producer Josh Fawaz, which garnered attention for potentially incorporating AI-generated vocals.

Under the newly updated code, only recordings that are substantially human-made and free from any concerns about manipulation or fraudulent streaming will be eligible for the charts. The distinction between AI-generated and AI-assisted recordings will be clarified through definitions provided in a labelling standard announced by the global music community earlier this year. This will allow ARIA to exercise its authority to remove ineligible recordings from the charts, amend chart positions, revoke prior accreditations, and even withdraw number one awards from artists if necessary. However, artists will have the opportunity to contest any exclusion by providing evidence to support their music's eligibility.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd emphasized the organization's commitment to promoting human artistry within a rapidly evolving landscape. She noted that while artists have effectively harnessed AI tools in their creative processes, the industry needed to differentiate between authentic musical creation and content wholly generated by AI systems. Herd urged stakeholders across the music ecosystem, especially radio, to support human artistry and adopt similar changes in their guidelines to foster a richer, more genuine musical culture.

The catalyst for this policy shift was Fawaz's cover of 'Like a Prayer,' which became a chart-topping hit amidst criticism regarding the extent of AI's role in its production. Fawaz himself suggested he utilized AI as a tool and later updated his Spotify track listing to clarify the use of AI-generated vocals and drums. An ARIA spokesperson indicated that, under the new guidelines, Fawaz's cover might not have qualified for the charts due to its dependence on AI-generated components.

This decision puts ARIA in sync with over twenty other global chart programs also working to create boundaries around human-created music amid the growing influence of generative technologies. The overarching concern from IFPI relates to music models trained on copyrighted material without securing permissions from rights holders. As the Australian landscape navigates the challenges posed by AI advancements, the federal government is concurrently developing new regulations aimed at providing robust copyright protections for creators within the country.

With collaborations and policies around AI music rapidly evolving, ARIA's updated chart principles reflect its proactive stance on guarding the integrity of artistry in Australia’s music scene.