Linux kernel drops AI-contribution disclosure rule, as Linus Torvalds says banning the tech would be ‘utterly stupid’
The Linux kernel project has rescinded a requirement implemented in January 2026 that mandated contributors disclose their use of AI tools when submitting code patches. The rule previously required developers to add an “Assisted-by” tag to acknowledge the use of advanced coding tools in patch creation.
Linus Torvalds, the Linux kernel’s creator and maintainer, expressed strong opposition to restricting or banning AI-assisted development, calling such a ban “utterly stupid.” Torvalds emphasized that the critical factor is whether contributors understand the code they submit, regardless of the methods or tools used to create it. This perspective represents a pragmatic stance on AI integration in software development, prioritizing code comprehension and quality over the disclosure of development process details.
The decision reflects a shift in the Linux community’s approach to AI tooling, moving away from mandatory documentation toward a more flexible policy that trusts developers to use appropriate tools while maintaining accountability through code review and understanding requirements.