IFPI, the organisation representing the recording industry worldwide, today announced the roll out of a new set of principles to govern the eligibility of recordings developed with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) services for inclusion in official music charts.

The framework will establish a clear boundary between human-led creativity and works that are purely synthetic, or generated by unauthorized AI models. It will also help to ensure that any tracks with a fraudulently boosted stream count are not recognised and celebrated in the charts.

These principles – outlined yesterday by a coalition of music companies including Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group – will enable official charts to accommodate appropriate use of AI in the creative process whilst remaining an authentic celebration of human artistry.

Under the new guidelines, a recording developed using AI will only qualify for chart inclusion if it meets three core criteria:

1. The AI service used is properly authorised and lawful
2. The track is substantially human made
3. It does not raise stream or chart manipulation concerns

The principles were developed in consultation with IFPI’s global member companies and are designed to provide a unified roadmap for official chart compilers, industry bodies and affiliated stakeholders worldwide.

IFPI will be rolling out the set of initial principles to the official charts it directly manages across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, whilst working with its national group network worldwide to expand the programme across an additional 20+ official charts programs.

Tracks created using generative AI systems have been appearing on streaming services, however many of these have been developed with tools that have been trained on artists’ music without authorisation. To tackle this, record companies are driving the development and licensing of AI music services that respect the rights of music creators.

The move follows the recent announcement by a broad spectrum of recorded music creators and companies around the world, of a unified approach to voluntary music track labelling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI (GenAI) in sound recordings. Distinguishing between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted,” the labels are conceived with broad, global adoption in mind, across digital music services and other partners.

Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI said:

“Official music charts do more than just track sales; they celebrate human artistry and endeavour. As fans, we want to recognise the achievements of the artists creating the music we love and it’s right that charts continue to showcase music with human creativity at its heart.

“When properly licensed and authorised, AI provides exciting opportunities to enhance the creative toolkit. These principles provide a pathway for that innovation, while ensuring we don’t include tracks generated by systems that are ripping off artists and their music.

“AI is evolving rapidly and it’s critical that the music community takes the lead on how to ensure technology and human artistry grow together responsibly.”