This Week in Open Source for 09/19/2025
A look around the world of open source
by
As we enter the Autumn of 2025, AI is still on the top of everyone's mind in tech and the world of open source is no different. This week we delve into various facets of AI's impact on the open source world, from its presence in the Linux kernel and the need for official policy, to the discussion around copyright in AI and how it affects open source licenses. We also explore ways companies can actively support open source, the challenges federated networks like Mastodon face with age verification laws, and the emerging concept of spec-driven development with AI as a design tool.
Upcoming Events
- September 23 - 27: Nerderarla 2025 is happening in Buenos Aires. It is a 100% free, world-class event in Latin America with high-quality content in science and technology.
- September 29 - 30: Git Merge 2025 celebrates 20 years of Git in Sunnyvale, California.
- October 2 - 3: Monktoberfest is happening in Portland, Maine. The only conference focused on how craft, technology and social come together. It's one of the most unique events in the industry.
- October 12 - 14: All Things Open 2025 is happening in Raleigh, North Carolina. The largest open source / tech / web conference on the U.S. east coast will feature many talks, including some from 4 different Googlers on varying topics — from creating mentorship programs, to security, to kubernetes and how open source already has solutions to your data problems that you may be trying to solve with AI.
Open Source Reads and Links
- [Article] AI is creeping into the Linux kernel - and official policy is needed ASAP - Coverage and larger discussion about genAI tooling and development on the Linux kernel. Kicked off from OSSNA 2025 talk from Sasha Levin.
- [Blog] The copyright crisis in AI that open source can't ignore - Many AI companies have been ignoring copyright to create their AI models. This sets a precedent that could lead to ignoring of open source licenses. What can open source do? There are some AI companies still taking a principled stance. What should they do?
- [Blog] 4 ways your company can support open source right now - Your company not only uses, but relies upon, open source software. Supporting open source software is an investment in your company and can give you a voice in the future of those projects. So here are four lenses to look through for how you can support the software that is supporting your company.
- [Article] Mastodon says it doesn't 'have the means' to comply with age verification laws - Age verification laws are starting to affect social media use in different locales. For single entities that run social networks, you can create a single solution that is best for your company's values and hopefully your users. What about federated networks of varying sizes? How are they supposed to address these laws? This is both a sign of the problems with federated networks and the importance of them to keep the internet open.
- [Blog] Spec-driven development with AI: Get started with a new open source toolkit - We're moving from "code is the source of truth" to "intent is the source of truth." With AI the specification becomes the source of truth and determines what gets built. Is this a new best practice for using AI as a design tool?
What exciting open source events and news are you hearing about? Let us know on our @GoogleOSS X account.