AI and the Future of Creative Arts: New Rules for Music and Media

The Official MENA Chart, which tracks music performance across 13 markets in the Middle East and North Africa, has implemented new regulations governing the inclusion of AI-generated or AI-assisted recordings. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), these standards mandate that any AI-integrated track must remain substantially human-made to qualify for official chart placement.

Establishing the Regulatory Framework for AI in Music

The IFPI, acting as the governing body for the Official MENA Chart, introduced these criteria to maintain a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of human creative agency. These rules apply to chart calculations in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and across North African territories. The policy addresses the increasing prevalence of generative tools in production, ensuring that streaming metrics reflect genuine artistic achievement rather than synthetic manipulation.

To qualify for chart eligibility, a recording must now satisfy three primary conditions. First, the AI service utilized must be authorized and compliant with the law. Second, the work must be substantially human-made, ensuring that human creativity remains the primary driver of the recording. Third, the track must not trigger concerns regarding fraudulent streaming or artificial manipulation of chart positions. Rawan Al-Dabbas, IFPI Regional Director for the MENA region, noted that these guidelines provide a clear framework to “preserve the status of human creativity at the core of qualifying works” while enabling artists to leverage generative AI responsibly.

Categorization Standards for Generative Content

The shift toward standardized AI labeling is not limited to the MENA region. Industry leaders, including the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the organization behind the Grammy Awards, have proposed a dual-tier classification system for global adoption. According to reports from Nida Al Watan, this system distinguishes between “AI-generated” and “AI-supported” content.

• AI-Generated: Applies to tracks where AI creates all or most creative elements, including compositions derived entirely from text prompts or those featuring AI-produced lead vocals.
• AI-Supported: Reserved for works featuring substantial human contribution in the creative process, where AI is utilized in some elements.

This taxonomy is intended for integration with digital streaming platforms, content aggregators, and distributors to ensure transparency for listeners.

The Business of Synthetic Creativity

Future-Proofing the Industry

The Official MENA Chart’s move to codify these rules reflects a broader trend of institutionalizing AI oversight.