I Signed Human Emacs

2026-07-13 · 1 min · #computing

I use Emacs daily. It's an essential part of my workflow. I am also deeply opposed to using LLMs to generate code.

Because of this, I have put my name down on Human Emacs. If at any point the GNU Project decides that LLM-generated code is acceptable, I am committed to participating in a future of Emacs without them.

Thankfully, we're in a better position than our friends using vim. While vim's maintainers have embraced LLMs, the GNU Project has been more hesitant. LLMs are forbidden for use on GNU projects while they deliberate on an organization-wide policy.

Unfortunately, their main concern appears to be copyright. With new court rulings and different legal arguments, they may be persuaded LLMs are acceptable. A hyperfocus on copyright obscures the many other problems with LLMs.

It's important to hold organizations accountable. I'm hoping we don't have to fork, but I'm more than willing to put my energy towards it if it becomes necessary.

If you use Emacs and hold similar values, I encourage you to join us!