AI in Linux

Linus Torvalds has endorsed the use of AI tools in Linux kernel development, settling a debate within the community. AI is currently being used in two main ways: authoring code (over 1,200 commits tagged with "Assisted-by" since September 2025) and reviewing code through a new tool called Sashiko, which has intensified discussion about AI's role by making it increasingly expected for contributors to interact with AI-generated feedback. The author argues that Torvalds' claim that the decision is purely technical rather than political is disingenuous, noting that Linux's GPLv2 licensing itself represents a political choice designed to influence behavior and advance the kernel's interests.