Australia’s national music charts are set to see a sweeping change as the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) drops a new rule that bans songs that are largely or wholly created by artificial intelligence from appearing on the official lists.
Under the updated code, every release must be "substantially human made" to qualify. The change was prompted by a high‑profile controversy involving an AI‑enhanced remix of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz, which had topped the aria dance singles chart and peaked at number two on the overall chart.
The remix attracted more than 48 million Spotify streams before Fawaz added a note that artificial intelligence had assisted in its production – a move that sparked backlash and led ARIA to clarify the importance of human contribution in chart‑eligible songs.
ARIA’s chief executive, Annabelle Herd, said the changes "reflect our intent to remain dynamic and promote the human nature of artistry in what is, to say the least, a rapidly developing space." She continued, "Artists already use AI tools in their work; the charts can and should evolve to keep room for that. But music generated wholesale by services built on artists’ recordings is a different matter."
The code also prohibits tracks that raise concerns about streaming or chart manipulation. If, after release, a song is found to be largely AI‑generated, its chart position could be retrospectively adjusted. In extreme cases, artists who hit number one could be required to return awards that were earned under the chart rankings.
The ban is part of a growing global trend. Earlier this year a similar rule in Sweden removed an AI‑generated track from its charts, and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced plans to roll out guidelines across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Australian electronic act Peking Duk, among others, welcomed the move. The band released an AI‑assisted version of their 2014 hit “High” and highlighted the loss of "human experience" when artists rely on AI to manufacture their creative output.
The policy is expected to stimulate tighter control over the use of AI in music production and create a clearer framework for artists, labels and listeners within a market that is increasingly dominated by algorithm‑driven content.
