Linus Torvalds has rejected efforts to limit AI-assisted coding in the Linux kernel. In a July 14 mailing list post, he stated that Linux is not an anti-AI project and advised opponents to fork the kernel or walk away.
Torvalds made the comments in response to a thread about perceived anti-LLM sentiment from the Software Freedom Conservancy. He acknowledged that AI tools can increase maintainer workloads and produce embarrassing bugs, yet insisted the focus should remain on ensuring the tools ultimately help rather than hinder development.
The statement follows a gradual shift in Torvalds' views. Earlier remarks had described AI as largely marketing hype, but recent comments show greater openness to its use under strict licensing and responsibility rules.
The July 14 post clarifies that the kernel will continue to accept AI-assisted contributions provided they meet existing GPL-2.0 requirements and carry proper human oversight through an Assisted-by tag.