Australia’s music charts ban AI-made songs amid backlash over Madonna cover

Australia’s official music charts have banned tracks mostly created by artificial intelligence (AI) following a backlash over a cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” that relied heavily on the burgeoning technology.

“Wholly AI-generated” music will be excluded from the charts under the changes, while tracks that use AI in a “supporting role” will still be eligible, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) said on Tuesday.

AI-generated music will also not be considered for recognition at the annual ARIA Music Awards under the new rules, which are set to take effect on Friday.

ARIA said it would rely on a labelling system introduced by music industry groups last month to distinguish AI-generated tracks from those that use AI to complement human creativity.

Under the labelling rules announced by a coalition of organisations including the Recording Industry Association of America, tracks may be labelled “AI-Generated” or “AI-Assisted” depending on the level of human involvement in the writing and recording process.

Tracks are classed as “AI-Generated” if AI was used to create the “entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements of the recording” and “AI-Assisted” if the technology was used only for “some expressive elements”.

ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said while the music charts should evolve to reflect the legitimate use of AI, they should not recognise music generated “wholesale” by technology that relies on other artists’ work.

“These 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,” Herd said in a statement.