Nearly a dozen major record companies, including Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group, have called on global music chart organisations to introduce rules disqualifying much of the so-called "AI slop" flooding streaming services. The proposed principles would only allow AI-generated tracks onto charts if the AI use is authorised and lawful, the song is substantially human-made, and it is not tied to streaming fraud or chart manipulation. This matters because it marks a coordinated industry push to protect chart integrity as generative AI music tools proliferate, many trained on artists' work without permission.

The labels' statement, issued on Wednesday, cited concerns that unauthorised AI models are being built on copyrighted music and that AI tracks are frequently linked to fraudulent streaming activity. The move follows the case of AI country act Breaking Rust, which drew attention last year after charting on a country digital sales chart, though such charts require only around a thousand sales to register. The announcement also comes weeks after the RIAA and IFPI proposed clearer labelling of AI-generated content on streaming platforms, similar to explicit content tags. Meanwhile, the major labels continue to pursue both litigation and licensing deals with AI firms such as Suno and Udio, alongside partnerships with Nvidia, Spotify and Stability AI.