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Yes, AI-assisted code can be submitted to the Linux kernel, but the kernel’s documentation puts the responsibility on the human contributor. Its guidance is not an official numbered list; the five rules below synthesize the requirements in the AI Coding Assistants page and the broader Kernel Guidelines for Tool-Generated Content.
1. Understand and be able to defend every line
Do not submit generated code you cannot explain. The kernel’s tool-generated-content guidance says contributors are expected to understand and defend everything they submit, and to respond to review comments. Tool output can be incorrect or inappropriate; if you cannot take ownership of a change, do not submit it. Maintainers may reject a patch series without detailed review when its contributor cannot explain the work.
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This is a useful test before opening a pull request anywhere: can you describe what each changed line does, why it belongs in the patch, and what could go wrong? For kernel work, first learn the relevant code and established development process; the kernel development HOWTO directs new contributors to the project’s coding-style and patch-submission guidance.
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The human submitter is responsible for reviewing AI-generated code. Read the whole patch rather than relying on a summary from the tool, then test the change and be prepared to explain how you tested it and which tools you used. Maintainers can ask for additional tests or apply extra scrutiny.
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A successful build or passing test run is evidence, not proof that a patch is correct. The guidance assigns review and responsibility to the submitter; it does not promise that any particular test suite catches every defect.
3. Check license compatibility and SPDX identifiers
Kernel contributions must meet the project’s licensing requirements. The AI-assistant guidance says code must be compatible with GPL-2.0-only and that appropriate SPDX license identifiers must be used. Consult the kernel’s development HOWTO and its linked licensing rules for the project-specific requirements. This is contribution guidance, not a substitute for legal advice on a difficult license question.
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4. Disclose substantial tool-generated content
The kernel’s separate tool-generated-content guidance covers meaningful contributions created with a tool, including an AI-generated function that you later edit by hand or an AI-drafted changelog. For such work, describe the tools used, the relevant inputs or prompts (or summarize long sessions), which portions were affected, and how you tested the contribution. The documentation says: “If in doubt, choose transparency and assume these guidelines apply to your contribution.”
Its general guidance excludes trivial spelling or grammar fixes, typing aids, mechanical renaming, and formatting. That distinction is about the scope of the disclosure guidance, not a reason to skip review. Telling a reviewer about even a small tool assist may still be helpful.
5. Keep accountability and sign-off with a human
An AI agent cannot certify the Developer Certificate of Origin on your behalf. The kernel documentation is explicit: “AI agents MUST NOT add Signed-off-by tags.” The human submitter must review the code, check licensing, add their own Signed-off-by tag, and accept responsibility for the contribution.
When AI tools contribute, the guidance recommends an Assisted-by tag identifying the agent and model version. Specialized analysis tools can also be listed; basic tools such as git, gcc, make, and editors should not be. Do not confuse acknowledgment with certification: the AI may be credited, but the sign-off belongs to the human.
How much disclosure is appropriate?
| Tool use | Kernel guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling or grammar correction, typing aid, mechanical rename, or formatting | Described as out of scope for the general tool-generated-content guidelines. | Review the resulting change; disclosure can still help a reviewer. |
| Generated function, substantial code, or AI-written changelog | Meaningful tool-generated content covered by the guidelines. | Describe the tool, relevant inputs or a summary, affected portions, and testing; follow the recommended attribution practice. |
The amount and type of generated material matter. Maintainers retain discretion: they may review a contribution normally, reject it, ask for explanations about the work or tool, request additional testing, or apply extra scrutiny. The documentation says scrutiny may rise with the amount of automatically generated content.
Where these rules apply
These are Linux kernel contribution practices, not a universal policy for every repository. The AI-assistant page sends contributors to the normal kernel process, including the development HOWTO, coding-style guidance, and patch-submission instructions. The style guide emphasizes readability and maintainability, with conventions such as a preferred 80-column line length, prescribed brace placement, and short functions that do one thing.
For another project, use its own contribution, licensing, and attribution rules. The transferable habits are to understand, review, test, and document AI-assisted work—and to remain accountable for what you submit.
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