Torvalds Tells Kernel Devs To Stop Debating AI Slop - Bad Actors Won't Follow the Rules Anyway

Linus Torvalds dismissed the debate surrounding AI-generated code in the Linux kernel as unproductive. He responded to concerns raised by Oracle's Lorenzo Stoakes about the potential negative impact of AI-generated code. Stoakes argued that treating LLMs as mere tools overlooks their risks to the kernel's quality. Torvalds believes focusing on AI-generated code is pointless because those utilizing AI won't disclose it in their documentation. He labeled the discussions "pointless posturing," stating that kernel documentation is primarily for contributors acting in good faith. This debate emerged during discussions about Intel's draft guidelines for tool-generated contributions. Stoakes advocated for the ability to reject code suspected to be AI-generated, which Torvalds opposed. Torvalds doesn't want the documentation to become a stance on AI, and he emphasizes the "just a tool" approach. He believes adding specific language about AI would be ineffective. Torvalds remains focused on the fundamental aspects of kernel development.