AI is creeping into the Linux kernel - and official policy is needed ASAP (www.zdnet.com)

AI is increasingly being integrated into Linux kernel development, prompting calls for an official policy to guide its use. While some developers view AI-generated bug reports as potential threats, others see large language models (LLMs) as productivity tools akin to past advances like C replacing Assembly. AI is already assisting with specific, well-scoped tasks such as generating small kernel patches and improving non-native English speakers' commit messages, helping to streamline routine but tedious workflows. Technically, AI tools like AUTOSEL analyze commit history, messages, and code changes to recommend backports to stable kernel branches, reducing the massive manual review workload maintainers face. Developers envision training LLMs on kernel code patterns to provide traceable, explainable assistance in areas like patch backporting, which is critical given Linux's vast and complex codebase. However, experts caution that AI-generated contributions require heightened scrutiny due to the kernel’s sensitivity to subtle bugs and the inherent risks of the low-level C language, emphasizing that patches with AI involvement should be clearly flagged. As AI’s role expands, the Linux community is taking steps to formalize guidelines. Senior developers, including those from Google and Oracle, are collaborating to draft an official AI policy to be discussed at the upcoming Linux Plumbers Conference, aiming to balance AI’s productivity gains with the rigorous quality standards vital to maintaining Linux’s robustness and security.