Linus Torvalds warned that the Linux kernel security mailing list has become almost unmanageable because dozens of researchers are submitting duplicate AI‑generated bug reports. In his weekly “state of the kernel” note he rolled out release candidate 4 for Linux 7.1 and then urged contributors to read the updated documentation, which now flags the flood of redundant submissions.

Torvalds described the chatter as “pointless churn,” noting that AI‑found bugs are rarely secret and handling them on a private list only multiplies noise. Maintainers spend hours redirecting reports or pointing out that a fix landed weeks earlier, which stalls triage and patch review. He urged submitters to accompany any AI hint with a real patch and a clear understanding of the issue.

His comments contrast with recent praise from fellow maintainer Greg Kroah‑Hartman, who told The Register that AI tools are becoming valuable for open‑source development. Torvalds’ stance forces the community to rethink how automated scanners are used: the goal should be to add genuine code improvements rather than flooding the list with already‑fixed findings. Effective use of AI now hinges on disciplined reporting.