Major Record Labels Push for AI Music to Be Barred From Charts
The three major record labels—Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group—have jointly proposed rules that would keep AI-generated music off official charts worldwide.
Their proposal goes beyond an earlier labeling framework put forward by the RIAA, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), SAG-AFTRA, and other industry groups. While that initial proposal called for standardized labels distinguishing AI-generated from AI-assisted music, the labels' new framework would actively exclude AI-heavy tracks from chart eligibility.
Under the proposal, songs would need to meet specific criteria to qualify for chart consideration—including a requirement that they be "substantially human" in their creation. The initiative appears aimed at addressing concerns about the sheer volume of AI-produced content flooding streaming platforms, with reports indicating tens of thousands of AI-generated songs are uploaded daily.
The move reflects ongoing tension between the music industry and generative AI tools, as rights holders seek to protect both human artists' chart positions and the commercial integrity of industry metrics.