Australia's official music charts have introduced regulations banning songs created primarily by artificial intelligence (AI), following public backlash against a cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" that heavily used the technology.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) said songs "created entirely by AI" will be excluded from the charts, while tracks using AI in a "supplementary role" remain eligible. The new rules will also apply to the annual ARIA Music Awards, effective from August 15.
To distinguish between the two, ARIA relies on a labeling system introduced by music industry groups, including major record labels such as Sony Music Entertainment Australia and Universal Music Australia. Under this system, songs are labeled "AI-Generated" if AI is used for "all or the majority of creative elements," and "AI-Assisted" if the technology is used only for "certain expressive elements."
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd emphasized that the charts should evolve to reflect legitimate AI use but should not recognize songs produced "turnkey" using technology based on other artists' work. She said: "These changes reflect our intention to maintain the dynamism and uphold the human essence in art."
The decision stems from an incident where Brisbane DJ Josh Fawaz topped the chart with a cover of "Like a Prayer" (a 1989 hit by Madonna) but was suspected of using AI for the vocals and drums. He admitted to this in July after listeners and music producers raised concerns. The cover has amassed over 48.5 million streams on Spotify and currently tops the Australian Top 20 Dance Singles chart. Fawaz, who defended AI use as a "tool," called the new rules a "great step."
Experts largely support the decision. Oliver Bown, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales, said many large-scale AI music companies display "predatory behavior" by taking artists' data without permission. He argued that banning fully AI-generated works is the right direction, even though some artists use AI respectfully. Ivan Zavada, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, called it a "necessary step" to protect human musical creativity but also stressed the need for clearer intellectual property laws in this turbulent digital transition period.
