The Linux kernel project has rescinded a rule implemented earlier this year that mandated contributors explicitly declare the use of AI tools in their code submissions. This change comes as lead maintainer Linus Torvalds expressed strong reservations about the utility of such disclosures.
Initially, the Linux kernel documentation included a directive stating, "When AI tools contribute to kernel development, proper attribution helps track the evolving role of AI in the development process… If you used any sort of advanced coding tool in the creation of your patch, you need to acknowledge that use by adding an Assisted-by tag." However, this requirement has now been removed.
Torvalds, in response to a contributor's concerns about the removal, argued that the "Assisted-by" tag did not provide meaningful information about the code itself. He stated on the kernel mailing list, "I don't understand this whole idiotic concept of 'don't use AI for X.' The kind of expectations I have is that people do their best and I expect people to understand what they are doing. But that understanding has very little to do with what tools they use."
His perspective suggests that the quality of code—whether it is well-understood by its creator or hastily produced—is the primary concern, regardless of the tools used in its development. Torvalds drew a parallel to hypothetical rules that might restrict the use of compilers, highlighting the absurdity of dictating which tools developers can or cannot use. He questioned the logic of such restrictions, asking, "Do you not see how UTTERLY STUPID those kinds of rules would be? So no. We're not going to make stupid rules that say 'you can't use tools for X'."
This stance aligns with Torvalds' generally positive view on the application of AI in coding, though he has previously lamented the influx of low-quality AI-generated reports that burden the Linux team. The decision reflects an ongoing process within the computing and open-source communities to adapt to the presence and capabilities of artificial intelligence in software development.