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UMG, WMG, Sony, HYBE, Believe, BMG & More Propose New Principles for AI Song Chart Eligibility
A coalition of major music companies including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, HYBE, Believe, Concord and several independent labels has proposed a set of principles to determine when AI-assisted songs can qualify for music charts. The move comes as streaming platforms grapple with a growing volume of AI-generated content and follows a separate industry-wide push to label such tracks, reflecting mounting concern that unchecked AI music could undermine human artistry and enable chart manipulation through inflated streaming figures.
The proposal sets four conditions for eligibility: the AI platform used must be authorised, the song must comply with copyright and personality rights, any AI involvement must be clearly disclosed, and the track must be primarily human-created without raising manipulation concerns. It builds on an earlier scheme from a wider coalition, including the RIAA, IFPI and the Grammys, that proposed tagging songs as "AI-generated" or "AI-assisted"; under the new plan, fully "AI-generated" tracks would be excluded from charts altogether. Neither system has yet been adopted by Billboard or other charting bodies, though several streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer, have already begun introducing their own AI-disclosure tools, and major labels have pursued legal action against AI music firms Suno and Udio.
In short
- Major labels propose rules for AI songs on music charts
- Fully AI-generated tracks would be barred from chart eligibility
- Follows earlier industry push to label AI-made music transparently
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Chart eligibility rules could protect confidence in rankings by requiring rights compliance, clear disclosure and evidence of substantial human authorship. Excluding fully AI-generated tracks may also help prevent manipulation and preserve charts as a measure of human creative work, while authorised tools leave room for artists to use AI responsibly.
The case against
Excluding fully AI-generated music risks making chart rules favour one view of authorship and could deny listeners’ popular choices recognition, even when tracks comply with the law and are transparently labelled. Critics may also argue that the proposed tests for human contribution and manipulation will be difficult to apply consistently, giving chart gatekeepers too much discretion as creative tools evolve.
Explained simply
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to create music, with AI-generated or AI-assisted songs now appearing on major streaming platforms. This concerns the music industry because charts could potentially be manipulated through fake streaming numbers, and because copyright and artists' rights may not be properly respected.
The industry has already made several efforts to address these issues. Record labels have proposed systems to clearly label AI-generated content, and major companies have taken legal action against AI music firms, but no widespread standard has been adopted yet.
A coalition of major music companies has now proposed four criteria for when AI-assisted songs can qualify for music charts: the AI tool must be authorised, copyright and personality rights must be respected, AI involvement must be disclosed, and the song must be primarily human-created without signs of manipulation.
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