DOC: Impove AI policy

timhoffm · timhoffm · commit d5bd88fa211e · 2026-04-07T00:20:58.000+02:00
- Change title from "Restrictions ..." to "Usage ..." which is more neutral - Introductory paragraph copied from https://devguide.python.org/getting-started/generative-ai/#generative-ai (CC0 license) - I find this a very good high-level summary of the mindset - Add lists of acceptable and unacceptable uses
diff --git a/doc/devel/contribute.rst b/doc/devel/contribute.rst
@@ -185,32 +185,38 @@ If you have developed an extension to Matplotlib, please consider adding it to o
 
 .. _generative_ai:
 
-
-Restrictions on Generative AI Usage
-===================================
-
-We expect authentic engagement in our community.
-
-- Do not post output from Large Language Models or similar generative AI as
-  comments on GitHub or our discourse server, as such comments tend to be
-  formulaic and low content.
-- If you use generative AI tools as an aid in developing code or documentation
-  changes, ensure that you fully understand the proposed changes and can
-  explain why they are the correct approach.
-- If you use AI for translation or grammar correction, please keep the wording as close
-  as possible to the original wording. It is much easier to come to a mutual
-  understanding when we are working off a direct translation of your words/thoughts
-  rather than a text an LLM may have embellished with possibly spurious information.
-
-Make sure you have added value based on your personal competency to your
-contributions. Just taking some input, feeding it to an AI and posting the
-result is not of value to the project. To preserve precious core developer
-capacity, we reserve the right to rigorously reject seemingly AI generated
-low-value contributions.
-
-In particular, it is also strictly forbidden to post AI generated
-content to issues or PRs via automated tooling such as bots or agents. We
-may ban such users and/or report them to GitHub.
+Usage of Generative AI
+======================
+
+Generative AI tools have evolved rapidly, and their suggested results can be
+helpful. As with using any tool, the resulting contribution is the responsibility
+of the contributor. We value good code, concise accurate documentation, and
+avoiding unneeded code churn. Discretion, good judgment, and critical thinking
+are the foundation of all good contributions, regardless of the tools used in
+their creation.
+
+We expect authentic engagement in our community. Make sure you have added value
+based on your personal competency to your contributions.
+
+**Acceptable uses** include
+
+- Gaining understanding of the existing code
+- Translating or proof-reading your comments or PR descriptions. Please keep the
+  wording as close as possible to the original wording.
+- Getting solution ideas
+
+**Unacceptable uses** include
+
+- External AI tooling directly interacting with the project; e.g. creating
+  issues, PRs or commenting on GitHub or Discourse.
+- Solving topics that you wouldn't in principle be able to solve yourself without AI
+- Blindly using any AI output. Ensure that you fully understand the output
+  and can judge that it's the correct approach.
+
+To ensure project health and preserve precious core developer
+capacity, we will call out and rigorously reject seemingly AI generated
+low-value contributions. We may ban and/or report users to GitHub if they
+harm the project or its community through irresponsible use of AI.
 
 .. _new_contributors:
 
