Exploring AI’s Dual Role in Open Source Security at FOSDEM 2026
At FOSDEM 2026, Daniel Stenberg, founder of cURL, highlighted AI’s dual impact on software security—both detrimental and beneficial. Here’s a breakdown of his insights:
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AI-Generated Reports: Stenberg shared concerns over bogus security reports generated by AI, overwhelming maintainers. Only 1 in 30 reports were deemed genuine by late 2025, turning bug triage into a nightmare.
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Bug Bounty Program Impact: The lucrative cURL bug bounty program inadvertently drove a surge in low-quality reports. To combat this, the program was halted, aiming to restore quality over quantity.
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Positive AI Applications: Despite the challenges, advanced AI tools have helped uncover over 100 significant bugs, showcasing their potential when used correctly.
Key Takeaways:
- AI can both hinder and enhance security efforts.
- The community must choose how to leverage AI responsibly.
Curious about the balance between AI’s benefits and challenges in the tech landscape? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
