AI-generated bug reports are pushing Linux maintainers to consider dropping obsolete network drivers rather than sustain growing review burdens on dormant code.
Growing pressure from AI-generated bug reports is prompting Linux maintainers to consider removing legacy network drivers, highlighting mounting strain on open-source software maintenance. Linux developer Andrew Lunn has submitted patches to remove drivers for ageing ISA and PCMCIA Ethernet devices, arguing the burden of reviewing questionable reports outweighs the value of retaining code with little evidence of active users.
If accepted, the proposal would modify 40 files and remove more than 27,000 lines of code affecting hardware from vendors including 3Com, Novell, Cirrus Logic and Fujitsu. The move comes as AI tools and fuzzing techniques surface theoretical flaws in long-dormant kernel code, forcing maintainers to spend time validating issues many regard as dubious.
“Fixing these old drivers make little sense, if it is not clear they have users,” said Andrew Lunn, Linux developer.
Lunn has proposed removing the drivers one patch at a time, allowing them to be restored if users of the original hardware emerge and are willing to maintain the code.
The proposal reflects a broader trend of pruning obsolete support from Linux, following the recent removal of hardware emulation code for Intel 486 processors. It also underscores wider friction around AI-generated submissions in open-source projects, as maintainers question their reliability while companies such as Google and Microsoft expand AI-generated code use. Some open-source projects are also reportedly seeking compensation as the burden of reviewing AI-generated reports grows.
