ARIA excludes wholly AI-generated tracks — not every recording made with AI

ARIA says recordings generated wholly by AI will no longer qualify for its official charts from 31 August. The rule does not exclude every recording that uses generative AI.

AI-assisted tracks can remain eligible when humans wrote the song and performed the lead vocal and primary instruments. ARIA's published definitions separate that category from an AI-generated track, where generative AI supplied all or the main creative elements — including a lead vocal, a key instrumental performance or an entirely prompted recording.

The Australian change applies the wider IFPI chart principles: an eligible recording must be substantially human-made, use authorised and lawful AI services, avoid manipulation concerns, comply with rights law and signal AI use where applicable.

A chart rule, not a legal ban

The announcement follows debate around an Australian producer's AI-assisted version of Madonna's “Like a Prayer,” which AP reports had remained in the Australian top 20 for 16 weeks. That example helps explain the timing, but the new test is broader than one release.

ARIA is deciding what its charts and awards recognise. It is not making AI music illegal or ordering streaming services to remove it. The unresolved operational question is how labels and distributors will prove substantial human authorship and authorised model use when a recording is challenged.