Australia’s recording industry body, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), has barred fully artificial intelligence-generated songs from its official music charts. Under the updated policy, a track must be substantially human-created to qualify. Artists may use AI tools, but the song’s core creative elements must remain the work of people.

The change followed controversy over Australian DJ Josh Fawaz’s cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” The track reached number one on the ARIA Dance Singles Chart and number two on the main chart, while receiving more than 48 million Spotify plays. Fawaz later acknowledged using generative AI after criticism. ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd said the decision protects the foundation of artists’ creativity, and local performers including Peking Duk welcomed it.

The rules require songs to be written by humans, with lead vocals and principal instruments performed by humans. AI remains permitted for mastering, drum machines and Auto-Tune. Applicants must disclose AI use, and ARIA may revise chart positions or reclaim awards if a song is later shown to be mainly AI-generated. The code also targets artificial streaming and chart manipulation.