Spoiling Linux Kernel with "sanctioned" code

8 hours ago

A Linux kernel developer fixed a bug in the OHCI USB stack that caused high latency issues with an old printer.
The fix delayed unlinking Endpoint Descriptors to reduce latency without impacting compatibility or RAM usage.
Greg Kroah-Hartman, the maintainer, did not respond to the patch, reportedly due to legal concerns about sanctions.
Contributors from sanctioned countries (e.g., Russia) may have their patches rejected unless they prove they are not from sanctioned entities.
Once a patch is sent, the kernel may be 'spoiled,' meaning others cannot reuse the same fix due to potential sanction issues.
This creates a situation where bugs must be fixed differently, even if the original solution was optimal.

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