The new rules for AI-assisted code in the Linux kernel: What every dev needs to know

▤ Summary

Linus Torvalds and the Linux kernel maintainers finalized the project's first formal policy on AI-assisted code to balance modern tooling with the kernel's strict legal and quality standards. The policy mandates that only humans can add Signed-off-by tags for Developer Certificate of Origin compliance, requires an Assisted-by tag listing the AI model and tools used, and leaves full responsibility and liability with the human submitter. Maintainers will rely on expert code review and strict consequences rather than AI-detection software to deter undisclosed AI-generated patches. The guidance treats AI as an assistive tool rather than a co-author and aims to increase transparency without stigmatizing legitimate AI usage.

▦ Linked Companies