Australia bans AI-generated music from official charts

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has banned wholly or largely AI-generated songs from its official music charts, effective August 28, 2026. Under the new rules, songs must be 'substantially human-made,' requiring human songwriting, lead vocals, and primary instrumentation. The decision follows controversy over DJ Josh Fawaz's AI-assisted cover of 'Like A Prayer,' which gained 48 million Spotify streams. The policy aligns with global guidelines from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

ARIA AI music ban

• ▪The Australian Recording Industry Association's ban on generative artificial intelligence in music charts will take effect on Friday, August 28, 2026
• ▪The Australian Recording Industry Association stated it may retrospectively adjust chart positions and request the return of Number One awards if a song is later found to be largely artificial intelligence-generated
• ▪The Australian Recording Industry Association announced on August 25, 2026, that songs wholly or largely created by generative artificial intelligence will be banned from Australia's music charts

Josh Fawaz Like A Prayer

• ▪The 'Like A Prayer' cover by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz peaked at number two on Australia's overall chart and has been streamed over 48 million times on Spotify
• ▪Australian DJ Josh Fawaz added generative artificial intelligence credits to his cover of Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' following a backlash after the song topped the ARIA dance singles chart

Human artistry requirements

• ▪Artists submitting songs for chart consideration in Australia will be required to declare their use of artificial intelligence, though the Australian Recording Industry Association acknowledged it relies on self-reporting
• ▪The updated Australian Recording Industry Association code allows artificial intelligence assistance for mastering, drum machines, and auto-tune, provided it does not raise stream or chart manipulation concerns
• ▪Under the new Australian Recording Industry Association rules, songs must be substantially human-made, with humans writing the song and performing lead vocals and primary instruments

Artist responses

• ▪Adam Hyde of the Australian electronic act Peking Duk supported the ban, stating that artificial intelligence-generated music removes the human experience from life
• ▪Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged in July 2026 to provide the strongest possible protection for creatives, stating that using their work to train artificial intelligence without payment is theft

Global AI music regulation

• ▪The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry announced in July 2026 that artificial intelligence guidelines would be rolled out for official charts in Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia
• ▪The Australian Recording Industry Association's updated code is based on a directive from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry to ensure appropriate copyright protections

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