AI-generated music faces new eligibility rules on official MENA charts

The Official MENA Chart has today announced that it has adopted a new set of principles governing the eligibility of recordings developed using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The principles are also being applied by the official charts in Egypt, North Africa, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Launched in 2022, the Official MENA Chart ranks the biggest songs across 13 markets in the Middle East and North Africa. Powered by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and based on data from leading streaming services, it provides the definitive measure of music success across the region. Alongside the regional chart, IFPI also operates official national charts in Egypt, North Africa, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

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, developed by IFPI and supported by a broad 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

[See full set of criteria in notes to editors]

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.

Rawan Al-Dabbas, Regional Director, IFPI MENA, said: “Since their launch, our official MENA charts have been a true celebration of the extraordinary talent, creativity and diverse cultural heritage we have in our region.

“It’s important we ensure we continue to celebrate the success of these incredible artists, whilst also creating the space for new and emerging forms of innovation.  These principles enable our official charts to continue to reflect genuine artistic achievement while finding a place for the appropriate use of fully authorised GenAI services.”

 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.”