WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Like a lot of people, Australia isn't a fan of music that's been wholly generated using AI. With millions of these tracks appearing on streaming services, the country's recording-industry body has officially barred them from its music charts. Starting this week, any release involving generative AI must be "substantially human made" to be eligible for a chart position.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has updated its Charts Code of Practice to distinguish between AI-generated and AI-assisted music. The changes apply to the chart dated Monday, August 31, which will be published on Friday, August 28.
The rules don't mean all music created with AI assistance is banned. A track put together with help from generative tools can still qualify, but the service must be authorized and lawful, the finished recording must be substantially human-made, and there can be no concerns about manipulated streams or chart positions. Importantly, humans must also have written the song and performed its lead vocal and primary instruments.
ARIA can refuse an ineligible release, remove one retrospectively, recalculate chart positions, withdraw accreditations, and even demand the return of a number-one award. Any excluded recording is also barred from the ARIA Awards, though artists and their representatives will be able to appeal and submit evidence.
