Australia’s official music charts have implemented a ban on tracks created entirely through artificial intelligence, according to an announcement from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The decision, effective Friday, prohibits wholly AI-generated music from chart eligibility and consideration for annual ARIA Music Awards. However, songs utilizing AI as a secondary tool alongside human creativity will remain permitted on the charts.
The policy shift was triggered by significant public controversy surrounding a Madonna cover that topped Australian dance charts. The track, created by Brisbane-based DJ Josh Fawaz, gained over 48 million Spotify streams before the artist acknowledged using AI-generated vocals and drums. Following industry backlash, ARIA established clear classification standards to differentiate between “AI-Generated” music, where the technology creates primary creative elements, and “AI-Assisted” tracks, where AI supports human artistry.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd stated the changes aim to maintain industry dynamism while protecting human artistry and preventing recognition of music generated “wholesale” by technology trained on existing artists’ work. Despite initial criticism, Fawaz himself supported the new regulations. University researchers emphasized the move addresses concerns about unauthorized data usage by AI companies while acknowledging legitimate creative applications of the technology in music production.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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