These Linux distros have banned AI code
Avoiding AI entirely is difficult, but you do have a few options if you're trying to build a desktop completely free of generative code.
These days, it feels like AI has invaded every part of the technology world, and Linux is no exception. However, there are a few open source operating systems whose maintainers try to keep LLM-assisted contributions out of their code. Let's take a look at who they are, plus what you should keep in mind as you try to create a slop-free computing environment.
Linux distributions that ban AI code
If you want a reputable Linux distribution whose maintainers have expressly forbidden AI-assisted code, below are the options I could find along with direct quotes from their official policies. This builds on the work of the Slopfree Software Index and the Starlight Network No-AI project. I thank the people contributing to those projects, and I recommend checking them for updates and other, more obscure options.
- aerynOS
- The aerynOS contribution guidelines state, "Contributions must not include content generated by large language models or other probabilistic tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot."
- Chimera Linux
- Chimera's community guidelines read, "Contributors found using LLMs will be barred from further contributing to the project."
- Elementary OS
- The Elementary contributor guide states that the project "does not allow contributions generated by large languages models (LLMs) and chatbots."
- Gentoo
- The Gentoo AI policy states that the project has banned "any content that has been created with the assistance of Natural Language Processing artificial intelligence tools."
- If you choose Gentoo, you may want to consider one of the OpenRC versions. That's because OpenRC bans LLMs as well, while the conventional init system, systemd, does not.
- postmarketOS
- The postmarketOS AI policy bans "contributions fully or in part created by generative AI" in the operating system's development.
- secureblue
- The secureblue contribution policy reads that "contributing AI generated code or content of any kind is forbidden."
Which one should you use?
You might be wondering which of these distributions are actually worth trying. That depends on what you're trying to do. If you want a general-purpose and easy-to-use desktop, go with Elementary or Chimera Linux. If you have enough computer skills and opinions to craft a highly customized installation, go with Gentoo. You should only go with postmarketOS if you're using a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. Those who are security-conscious should try secureblue, and those interested in experimental operating systems should look into aerynOS.
Trying out the Elementary OS environment.
Alternative open source OSes that ban AI code
These independent operating systems aren't built on the Linux kernel and instead base themselves on alternative kernels, and they have clear anti-AI policies. They're likely to be more "pure" compared to Linux operating systems because Linux itself is not AI-free. More on that later.
- FreeDOS
- The FreeDOS development guides states, "We do not allow AI for writing code."
- Haiku
- The Haiku copyright policy reads, "The Haiku project cannot accept contributions ... which are under ambiguous or incompatible licenses. (This includes most content produced with the use of LLMs.)"
- NetBSD
- NetBSD's commit guidelines read, "Code generated by a large language model or similar technology ... is presumed to be tainted code, and must not be committed without prior written approval by core."
- Redox OS
- The Redox OS contribution guide states that "Redox OS does not accept contributions generated by LLMs ..."
Jordan Gloor
Which one should you use?
If your computer skills are limited, then I don't recommend using these operating systems at all. They generally assume you're highly tech-literate, know exactly what you want from an OS, and know generally how to get it. Redox OS doesn't even have a beta release yet, and FreeDOS isn't even meant to give you a modern computing experience. NetBSD is the only mature, modern operating system here, and you should expect a steep learning curve when installing it.
Keep this in mind while you choose a distro
There are a few important facts to consider when you're choosing an open source operating system to try to get away from "slop" code.
There's technically no way to escape AI on Linux
The Linux kernel, which makes up the software and firmware of all operating systems bearing the name "Linux," officially allows AI-assisted code contributions. This has been so since at least July 2026 when Linus Torvalds dismissed kernel developers who were concerned about AI-generated code. It's difficult to know how much, if any, AI-assisted code has so far made it into the kernel. Even if it's currently none, hopes the kernel remains slop-free cannot be sustained.
So, if you don't want any AI-generated code in your operating system at all, you're better off choosing one of the open source operating systems that use independent kernels. Some people have attempted to "fork" the Linux kernel at a point before vibe-coding became popular, but I haven't find a fork implemented in any major distro.
Most distros just emphasize oversight
You'll notice that despite there being thousands of Linux distros in existence, the lists in this article were short. I checked the contribution policies of a lot of popular distros, and the majority have, at best, loose and difficult-to-enforce rules. Some have a policy that simply asks contributors to use their best judgement and not to push code that they don't understand. Others have no official AI policy at all or are still working on one, despite the fact that LLM contributions have likely already been made to them.
Slopware is still a problem
Operating systems exist so that you can run software on them. So, even if you install an AI-free OS, you're still faced with the wave of applications that were built with coding assistants. That can even include long-established open source apps that lately have welcomed generative code. The rsync tool is one example.
Jordan Gloor
So, you'll need to exercise judgement if you want to avoid AI code in the apps you're using. That's no easy task, and I plan to write a guide to navigating vibe-coded apps in the future. Subscribe to my newsletter to avoid missing its publication.
