Linus Torvalds has issued a new guideline for developers using AI assistants in code contributions. The document mandates that AI‑generated patches follow the existing kernel workflow, referencing the standard development process, coding style, and patch submission rules. It also stresses that any automated help must be properly documented and attributed. These rules keep the kernel's rigorous standards intact while allowing AI to accelerate bug fixes.

Legal compliance is central. All code must remain GPL‑2.0‑only, with SPDX identifiers, and the Kernel’s license rules apply. Human submitters retain responsibility for signing off with a Signed‑off‑by tag and certifying the Developer Certificate of Origin. AI tools are prohibited from inserting these legal tags, ensuring clear ownership. Compliance checks will run automatically on every pull request, preventing accidental license violations.

Attribution guidelines require an Assisted‑by tag listing the AI model and optional analysis tools. An example reads: “Assisted‑by: Claude:claude-3-opus coccinelle sparse.” This format clarifies the AI’s role and preserves traceability. The policy reinforces human accountability while embracing automation to enhance kernel quality. The clear tags also aid tooling that tracks AI contributions across the codebase.