A new global framework will govern whether recordings created with generative AI can appear on official music charts, the recording industry body IFPI announced on 30 July 2026. The principles aim to draw a clear line between human-led creativity and purely synthetic or unauthorized AI-generated works, while also blocking tracks with fraudulently inflated streams.
The rules, developed in consultation with IFPI’s member companies, follow a unified stance outlined earlier by Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group. They are designed to give chart compilers and industry bodies a consistent roadmap for evaluating AI’s role in recorded music.
Three Core Criteria
Under the new framework, a recording that uses generative AI will only be eligible for official charts if it meets all of the following conditions:
- The recording must be the product of human authorship and primary creative input.
- Any generative AI used in the recording must have been trained on properly licensed data and must not infringe copyright.
- The recording’s streaming consumption must be genuine, with no use of fraudulent or artificial streaming manipulation.
Global Rollout
IFPI will apply the principles immediately to the official charts it directly operates across Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. It is also working with its network of national groups to extend the programme to more than 20 additional official chart programmes worldwide.
The countries where IFPI directly manages charts include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE and Uruguay. National groups are set to adopt the principles in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Industry Context
The move comes as tracks built with unauthorized generative AI tools, often trained on artists’ music without permission, have surfaced on streaming platforms. Record companies are simultaneously advancing licensed AI music services that respect creators’ rights.
It also follows a recent cross-industry initiative to introduce voluntary labelling for sound recordings, distinguishing between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted” content. That system is intended for broad adoption across digital services and other partners.
“Official music charts do more than 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 offers 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 in shaping how technology and human artistry grow together responsibly.”
