Ubuntu

Jan 30, 2026 · Industry Insights

Linux Kernel Announces Continuity Plan: The ‘White Smoke’ Succession Mechanism if Linus Steps Down

Linux’s governing bodies have adopted a formal Continuity Plan that outlines an emergency “white‑smoke” process—convening the Technical Advisory Board, a papal‑conclave‑style selection, and a temporary hand‑over to Greg Kroah‑Hartman—ensuring the kernel’s stability even if Linus Torvalds can no longer lead.