IFPI sets new principles for AI-generated music to qualify for official charts

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents the recorded music industry worldwide, has announced a new set of principles governing the eligibility of recordings developed with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) services for inclusion in official music charts.

The framework draws a clearer line between human-led creativity and recordings that are entirely synthetic or produced using unauthorised AI models, while also seeking to prevent tracks benefiting from fraudulent stream manipulation from being recognised in the charts. The principles follow a proposal outlined by a coalition of music companies including Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, and are intended to allow for legitimate uses of AI while keeping human creativity at the centre of chart recognition.

Under the new guidelines, recordings developed using AI will only be eligible for chart inclusion if they satisfy the following criteria:

• Any generative AI services used to develop the recording are properly authorised and lawful.
• They are substantially human made.
• They do not raise manipulation concerns.
• They comply with applicable laws, including those relating to copyright, related rights, and personality rights.
• The making available of the recordings does not breach the terms of the generative AI service used.
• The use of generative AI services to develop the recording is appropriately signalled to consumers on downstream services (e.g., digital streaming platforms), in accordance with any applicable legislation and/or industry labelling standards.

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 is initially rolling out the principles across the official charts it directly manages in MENA, Latin America, Africa and Southeast Asia, while working with its national group network to expand the programme across more than 20 additional official chart programmes.

The move comes amid a rapid increase in the volume of AI-generated music entering streaming platforms. In July, IFPI and a broad coalition of music industry organisations including the RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys, SAG-AFTRA and the Human Artistry Campaign announced a unified voluntary labelling framework distinguishing between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted” recordings. The system is designed to give listeners clearer information about how generative AI has been used in a recording.

The chart principles also arrive as the industry confronts increasingly sophisticated AI-generated releases and questions around their eligibility for mainstream recognition. Recent reporting on the major-label proposal noted that key concepts including what constitutes “substantially human made” and what qualifies as a chart or stream manipulation concern have yet to be fully defined, potentially leaving chart compilers to establish more detailed implementation standards.

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.”

[via IFPI]