AI Contribution Overview
When to Use
Read this first. It maps the landscape of AI contribution policies, why disclosure matters, and how Drupal's "disclose and verify" position works before you touch any issue or merge request.
Decision
| Project | Position | Policy |
|---|---|---|
| QEMU | Ban | AI-generated code prohibited entirely (June 2025, DCO rationale) |
| Gentoo | Ban | AI-generated code banned (April 2024, 6-0 council vote) |
| Linux kernel | Disclose | Co-developed-by trailer required, same review standards apply |
| Apache | Disclose | Generated-by convention, AI welcome with attribution |
| Drupal | Disclose and verify | AI welcome with mandatory disclosure, human responsibility |
Pattern
Drupal's four disclosure levels:
| Level | Definition |
|---|---|
| AI Assisted Issue | AI helped research or write the issue |
| AI Assisted Code | Human wrote code with AI suggestions, reviewed every line |
| AI Generated Code | AI generated substantial code, human reviewed and tested |
| Vibe Coded | AI generated most/all code with minimal human review |
The responsible path: AI Assisted Code with thorough human review.
Core principles: 1. Disclosure is mandatory — every issue and MR must indicate AI involvement 2. The human is responsible — contributor takes full responsibility regardless of how code was produced 3. Review expectations scale with AI involvement — Vibe Coded triggers maximum scrutiny 4. Policy is evolving — check drupal.org for the latest governance decisions
Common Mistakes
- Wrong: Not disclosing at all → Right: Even minor AI usage (autocomplete) should be disclosed; when in doubt, disclose
- Wrong: Treating disclosure as optional → Right: Undisclosed AI usage erodes trust and may lead to credit revocation
- Wrong: Assuming "Vibe Coded" is acceptable → Right: Contributors who cannot explain their own code face maximum scrutiny and likely rejection
- Wrong: Confusing Drupal's openness with permissiveness → Right: "AI welcome" does not mean "anything goes" — quality standards are the same or higher