The major labels propose rules to keep AI slop off the charts
The big three record labels just drew a line: AI songs stay off the charts unless humans wrote most of it.
Why it matters
Industry gatekeepers are setting eligibility rules that could reshape music creation economics and define what counts as 'human work' in a generative era—a precedent other creative industries will watch closely.
The key facts
10 to knowUniversal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group propose chart-eligibility rules for AI songs
Proposal goes beyond RIAA/IFPI/SAG-AFTRA labeling standard; bans most AI-generated music from international charts
Requirement: songs must be 'substantially human' to chart
Competing with earlier labeling-only proposal focused on disclosure, not exclusion
Signals industry attempt to protect human artist economic models as generative music tools proliferate
Three major labels (UMG, Sony, Warner) proposed AI chart-eligibility rules
Proposal goes beyond RIAA/IFPI/SAG-AFTRA labeling standard
AI songs would be excluded from international charts unless 'substantially human'
Competing regulatory approach: labeling vs. gatekeeping
Affects music industry gatekeeping and creator economics
Go to the source
The Verge AItheverge.com
Publisher excerpt: Several record labels, including the big three - Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group - have proposed rules regarding chart eligibility for AI songs. In short, they wouldn't be. The proposal goes quite a bit further than a labeling proposal put forth by the RIAA, the…