In a significant move poised to reshape the landscape of Australian music, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has announced a ban on entirely AI-generated tracks from eligibility for its prestigious music charts and ARIA Awards. This new policy, announced on August 25, 2026, will apply to the ARIA Chart dated Monday, August 31, 2026, which is scheduled for publication on Friday, August 28, 2026.
While wholly AI-generated music will no longer find a place on the charts, ARIA has clarified that recordings utilizing generative artificial intelligence in a supporting role can still qualify. The crucial condition is that these tracks must be ‘substantially human-made’ and present no concerns regarding stream or chart manipulation. To meet eligibility, a track must feature human-written song composition, a human-performed lead vocal, and human-played primary instruments, though AI remains an option for other expressive elements within the production.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd articulated the rationale behind these changes, stating they are intended to uphold ‘the human nature of artistry’ and to prevent the charts from validating ‘unlicensed AI output’ that could potentially undermine the foundation of recorded music. This strategic update aligns with global principles for AI in music previously established by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
A notable factor influencing the decision to update the Charts Code of Practice was the impressive chart performance of an AI-generated cover of Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ by Australian producer Josh Fawaz. This particular track spent 16 weeks within the Australian Top 20, impressively reaching the number two spot.
Further solidifying its commitment to these new guidelines, ARIA plans to leverage definitions provided by a global music industry labelling standard, which was introduced in July, to distinguish between AI-generated and AI-assisted music. Additionally, ARIA has revised its disputes process, creating a pathway for artists and their representatives to challenge exclusions and present evidence to support a recording’s eligibility, ensuring a fair and transparent system.