Linus Torvalds says Linux is not an anti-AI project, and if you don’t like that, then “fork it or just walk away”

Linus Torvalds declared that Linux is not an anti-AI project and that developers who disagree can fork the kernel or walk away. The Linux kernel now allows AI-generated code if human-reviewed, and Torvalds emphasized AI is a useful tool despite acknowledging its imperfections.

Linus Torvalds says Linux is not an anti-AI project, and if you don’t like that, then “fork it or just walk away” Read More https://www.pcguide.com/earnings-disclaimer/ Table of Contents The founder of Linux and head maintainer to this day, Linus Torvalds, has recently discussed the use of AI in the Linux kernel. He says AI is “clearly” a useful tool, bluntly stating “Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects” in a recent mailing list message. As a top-level maintainer, Torvalds has put his foot down on the AI stance, saying that, if you disagree, then make your own fork. Earlier this year, a change in the Linux kernel guidelines meant the floodgates were opened to AI-generated code – as long as it’s human-reviewed and submitters take “full responsibility” https://www.pcguide.com/news/linux-kernel-now-allows-ai-generated-code-as-long-as-you-take-full-responsibility-for-any-bugs/ for any problems it may cause. And it’s clear that Linux founder Linus Torvalds is positive about the technology, even if other developers shy away from ‘vibing coding’ or are straight up against it. AI’s role in the development of Linux “Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects, and if somebody has issues with that, they can do the open-source thing and fork it. Or just walk away,” says Torvalds in a recent message on the Linux Kernel Mailing List. While it can be controversial and produce too much ‘slop’ for some maintainers like the guys over at Godot https://www.pcguide.com/news/godot-maintainers-say-vibe-coding-will-get-you-auto-banned-from-its-github-in-low-effort-slop-clampdown/ , the Linux founder says, “The kernel project has been and will continue to be about the technology” – and AI is now a part of that. Latest PC & Tech deals Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 - was $2,199 now $1,749 ASUS SFF-Ready RTX 5080 - was $1,499 now $1,354 Samsung Odyssey G7- was $999 now $649 HP OMEN 45L gaming PC - was $2,499 now $2,309 BIWIN Black Opal NV7400 4TB SSD - was $599 now $459 Prices correct as of July 10th, 2026. I realize that some people really dislike AI, but this is an area where I’m willing to absolutely put my foot down as the top-level maintainer. Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects, and if somebody has issues with that, they can do the open-source thing and fork it. Or just walk away. AI is a tool, just like other tools we use. And it’s clearly a useful one. Linux founder Linus Torvalds on Linux Kernel Mailing List, via lore.kernel.org He admits “AI isn’t perfect” – and even “somewhat painful” at times – but “it’s not like natural intelligence is always all that great either”. Linux maintainers aren’t forcing developers to use AI, but Torvalds says he will ignore anyone trying to argue against it. Linux maintainers have previously had problems with “unmanageable” AI bug reports https://www.pcguide.com/news/linus-torvalds-comments-on-unmanageable-ai-bug-report-problem-for-linux-maintainers/ flooding the mailing list, and Torvalds again makes reference to that, as it continues to affect maintainers’ workloads or is otherwise highlighting “embarrassing bugs”. However, in the end, the Linux head is fully on board with AI technology – it just needs to be utilized in the right way.