According to the Associated Press, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) stated on August 25 that as generative AI technology increasingly threatens artists' livelihoods, the Australian recording industry will ban songs entirely generated by AI from entering official charts.
Before the introduction of this new rule, an Australian producer reworked Madonna’s famous song “Like a Prayer” using AI-generated voices and drumbeats. The rework managed to keep the song on the top 20 list of Australian singles for 16 consecutive weeks, sparking debates about the role of generative AI in the music industry. As of Tuesday, the song was still ranked fourth.
ARIA stated in a statement that starting from next Monday (August 31st), tracks completely generated by AI will be prohibited from entering the ARIA charts and will no longer qualify for the Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards. Some music created with AI assistance will still be eligible to be included, but must be produced using legal AI services.
The statement indicates that one requirement for a song to meet the criteria is that it must be written and composed by “humans, with the lead singer playing the lead role and the main instruments being played by humans.”
Aria CEO Annabel Hed stated: "These changes reflect our hope to remain vibrant in a rapidly evolving field, while showcasing the inherent human creativity of artistic expression."
Reports indicate that Australia's new regulations are consistent with those introduced by the International Music Industry Federation (IFPI), based in London, in July this year. The IFPI requires that songs must be "mainly produced by humans" in order to qualify for official music charts.
Sydney Conservatory of Music composer and lecturer Alexis Wever told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the controversy surrounding artificial intelligence in the music field is "extremely complex and highly emotional for many musicians, so everyone will have different opinions."
Weaver described ARIA's actions as a "beautiful step forward," conveying the association's desire to "give priority and emphasis to human creativity."
Weaver said that in the current environment, it is difficult to avoid using AI tools, but there are ways to use them while allowing human-led creativity and making key creative decisions.
