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Title: How Should the Linux Kernel Handle AI-Generated Contributions?

Link: https://linux.slashdot.org/story/25/11/17/044...

Linux kernel maintainers "are grappling with how to integrate AI-generated
contributions without compromising the project's integrity," reports
WebProNews: The latest push comes from a proposal by Sasha Levin, a prominent
kernel developer at NVIDIA, who has outlined guidelines for tool-generated
submissions. Posted to the kernel mailing list, these guidelines aim to
standardize how AI-assisted patches are handled. According to Phoronix, the
v3 iteration of the proposal [posted by Intel engineer Dave Hansen]
emphasizes transparency and accountability, requiring developers to disclose
AI involvement in their contributions. This move reflects broader industry
concerns about the quality and copyright implications of machine-generated
code. Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, has weighed in on the debate,
advocating for treating AI tools no differently than traditional coding aids.
As reported by heise online, Torvalds sees no need for special copyright
treatment for AI contributions, stating that they should be viewed as
extensions of the developer's work. This perspective aligns with the kernel's
pragmatic approach to innovation. The proposal, initially put forward by
Levin in July 2025, includes a 'Co-developed-by' tag for AI-assisted patches,
ensuring credit and traceability. OSTechNix details how tools like GitHub
Copilot and Claude are specifically addressed, with configurations to guide
their use in kernel development... ZDNET warns that without official policy,
AI could 'creep' into the kernel and cause chaos... The New Stack provides
insight into how AI is already assisting kernel maintainers with mundane
tasks. According to The New Stack, large language models (LLMs) are being
used like 'novice interns' for drudgery work, freeing up experienced
developers for complex problems... The Linux kernel's approach could set
precedents for other open-source projects. With AI integration accelerating,
projects like those in the Linux Foundation are watching closely... Recent
kernel releases, such as 6.17.7, include performance improvements that
indirectly support AI applications, as noted in Linux Compatible.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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