SYDNEY: Australia is taking a significant step in the growing debate over artificial intelligence and the future of music, with the country moving to prevent songs created entirely by generative AI from entering its official music charts.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced new eligibility rules stating that recordings made entirely through generative AI will not be eligible for the ARIA Charts. The new policy will apply from the 31 August 2026 chart, which is scheduled to be published on August 28.
However, the decision does not amount to a complete ban on AI in music.
Songs in which AI is used as a supporting or production tool can still qualify, provided the recording is substantially human-made and meets ARIA’s other eligibility requirements. In other words, artists can use AI to assist with parts of the creative or production process, but the core creative contribution must come from humans.
ARIA has also indicated that recordings must comply with its rules regarding legitimate music consumption and chart manipulation. If a recording is found to be ineligible, ARIA may refuse to include it, remove it from the chart, adjust its position or take action regarding ARIA Award eligibility. Artists and their representatives will have an opportunity to provide evidence and appeal eligibility decisions.
The policy comes as AI-generated music continues to become more sophisticated and increasingly difficult for listeners to distinguish from human-made recordings.
One recent case that drew attention involved a cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” by DJ and producer Josh Fawaz, in which AI-generated vocals and drums were reportedly used. The track reached No. 4 on ARIA’s Australian Artist Singles Chart, highlighting just how complicated the question of AI’s role in commercially successful music has become.
The central issue for ARIA is therefore not simply whether AI was used, but how much of the creative work was actually done by humans.
The move also raises a much bigger question for the global music industry: if artificial intelligence can generate the lyrics, melody, vocals, instruments and production of an entire song, should that recording compete on the same charts as music created by human artists?
For now, Australia’s position is relatively clear: AI can assist musicians, but completely AI-generated recordings will not qualify for the country’s official music charts.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the rules surrounding its use in music are likely to become an increasingly important issue for artists, record labels, streaming platforms and music fans around the world.
The future of music may not only be about who sings a hit song—but who, or what, actually created it.
