Major labels propose rules to keep AI-generated songs off the charts
Universal, Sony, and Warner, among others, have proposed eligibility criteria that would exclude AI-generated music from official charts unless it is 'substantially human made' and meets other conditions.
Major music labels, including the big three — Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group — have put forward a proposal regarding how AI-generated songs are treated on official music charts. Under the plan, such recordings would be barred from chart placement unless they satisfy a set of strict requirements.
The proposed criteria say that a song must be "substantially human made," that any generative AI service used must be properly authorized and lawful, and that the model must have rights to its training data. The recording must also raise no concerns about streaming or chart manipulation, comply with copyright and personality rights laws, and not breach the AI service's terms. Additionally, the use of AI in creating the track would need to be clearly indicated to consumers on streaming platforms, in line with industry labeling standards.
This initiative goes beyond an earlier proposal from the RIAA, IFPI, and SAG-AFTRA, which focused on standardized labels for AI-assisted or AI-generated music. The new rules would require labeling but also exclude AI songs from charts unless they meet the stated criteria. Currently, definitions of "substantially human made" and what counts as chart manipulation remain unclear. Sony, UMG, and Mom+Pop Music did not respond to requests for clarification.
The IFPI has backed the labels' proposal, though no charting organization has yet committed to adopting it. Full details of the proposed rules were published as part of the announcement.
