# Torvalds backs AI-assisted kernel work that meets Linux standards

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/torvalds-ai-is-fine-for-competent-devs-but-spare-us-the-drive-by-patches/
- Published: 2026-10-23T11:31:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T11:37:51+00:00
- Original publisher: The Register
- Original article: https://www.theregister.com/columnists/2026/10/23/torvalds-ai-is-fine-for-competent-devs-but-spare-us-the-drive-by-patches/5304357
- Topics: AI, Americas, Technology, World

## Key points

- Torvalds backs competent developers using AI for kernel code.
- Maintainers no longer require an AI assistance tag.
- Low-quality “drive-by” patches still face rejection.

## Summary

Linus Torvalds supports competent developers using AI to help write Linux kernel code, arguing that the quality of the work matters more than whether AI was involved. The article says kernel maintainers have dropped the requirement to disclose AI assistance, while stressing that submissions still need to meet the project’s standards.

At a Linux Kernel Maintainers Summit in Prague, developer Sasha Levin announced the decision to deprecate the “Assisted-by” tag. Torvalds distinguishes experienced developers using AI as a tool from “drive-by” contributors who submit patches without learning or engaging with the community. The article argues AI is becoming part of software development, while acknowledging concerns about model reliability, copyright and low-quality AI output.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.