Have your say: Should AI-made songs be banned from music charts?

Songs created mostly or entirely by artificial intelligence, known as AI, will no longer be allowed in Australia's official music charts.

Generative AI is technology that can study information and use what it learns to create words, pictures, videos or music. A person gives it instructions, called a prompt, telling it what to make.

The Australian Recording Industry Association, or ARIA, runs the country's main official charts, ranking which songs and albums are currently the most popular.

Under ARIA's new rules, music must be "substantially human made" to enter the charts. Fully AI-generated tracks will not qualify, but musicians can still use AI in a supporting role.

Eligible recordings must also not raise concerns about artificial streams. Artificial streaming happens when technology is used to make it look as though a track has been played more times than it really has.

The changes will apply to the Australian chart from this weekend.

The decision comes after a public debate about Australian DJ and producer Josh Fawaz's version of Madonna's hit Like a Prayer. The recording became popular on Australian radio and appeared on several ARIA charts. Its Spotify credits were later changed to say that generative AI had been used for its vocals and drums.

Under the new rules, a recording involving AI must still contain substantial creative work by people. For example, ARIA says an AI-generated lead vocal or important instrumental performance would mean a song wouldn't be allowed in the charts.

Under the new rules, artists and record companies will have to explain how AI was used.

ARIA can reject or remove an ineligible recording, change chart positions and withdraw awards. If an ineligible recording has reached Number One, ARIA can cancel its Number One award or ask for the award to be returned.

Musicians and their representatives will be able to challenge a decision and provide evidence if they believe a recording has been wrongly excluded.

ARIA chief executive Annabelle Herd said the changes would "promote the human nature of artistry". She said AI tools could have a place in music, but that they should not replace artists' creative work.

In the UK, the Official Charts Company has not announced the same rule.

New international guidelines from the recording-industry organisation IFPI say AI-assisted music can qualify for official charts if it is substantially human made, uses lawful and authorised technology, and does not raise concerns about chart manipulation.

However, these guidelines have not been confirmed as rules for the UK's Official Charts.

The UK's Official Chart is compiled by the Official Charts Company and broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on Fridays. Radio 1 also broadcasts The Official Chart: First Look on Sundays (presented by Newsround's Shanequa Paris).

The BBC has set out a similar approach for deciding which music it plays and features in its programmes on radio and TV.

In July 2026, BBC Director of Music Lorna Clarke said: "Our priority will be music which is the result of meaningful human creativity."

Artists who use AI tools can still be considered for BBC programmes, but they and their representatives must explain whether and how AI was involved. BBC producers will then consider each recording separately.

Should AI-made music be banned from the charts, or should it be allowed to compete with music made by people?

What if an artist uses AI only as a small part of making a song? Have your say in the comments.