Linux kernel adopts AI for authoring and reviewing patches, Linus insists on technical-only debate

AI in Linux

Drew DeVault pushes back on Linus Torvalds' endorsement of AI in kernel development. Over 1,200 commits now carry an 'Assisted-by' tag, mostly from LLM-aided patches. A new tool, Sashiko, uses Google Gemini to auto-generate code reviews, making AI interaction unavoidable even for contributors who opt out. Linus refuses to entertain ethical or political arguments, telling critics to fork the kernel. DeVault calls that disingenuous: Linux is inherently political, the GPL choice was political, and forking is practically impossible. He also flags externalities—rising consumer hardware prices, CO₂ and water costs, and the legitimization of AI firms at the highest political levels.

Why it matters: Linus personally set the tone on AI in kernel development, and Drew DeVault's piece is one of the most substantive counter-voices. The 1,200 commits and Sashiko tool make this more than abstract debate. Downside: it's a single opinion piece, not an official community decision,...