Microsoft Adds Copilot Tag to VS Code Commits Even with AI Disabled
Microsoft added a "Co-Authored-by Copilot" line to Git commits in Visual Studio Code. This happened even for users who disabled all AI features. The change came from a Microsoft product manager. A principal engineer approved it without adding a description. The team merged it right away.
Visual Studio Code, often called VS Code, stands as one of the most popular code editors worldwide. Microsoft released it in 2015 as a free, open-source tool. Developers use it for writing and debugging code across many languages. It supports extensions that add features like Git integration for version control. GitHub Copilot serves as an AI-powered coding assistant within VS Code. It suggests code completions based on context. Microsoft owns GitHub, which developed Copilot in partnership with OpenAI.
The Change and How It Happened
Dmitriy Vasyura, the Microsoft developer responsible, pushed the update. The line appeared in commit messages automatically. Users found it in the commit window, sometimes hidden from plain view. This occurred regardless of Copilot settings. Developers noticed it during routine work on code repositories.
The approval process moved quickly. No detailed review notes accompanied the pull request. Once merged, the feature activated by default. VS Code users rely on Git commits to track changes and authorship. Such tags matter in open-source projects for crediting contributors.
Backlash from the Developer Community
News spread fast on GitHub and Hacker News. Developers voiced strong objections. Many pointed out the tag implied AI involvement when none took place. Some worried about misleading commit histories. Others raised issues with company policies that ban AI-generated code.
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Legal concerns surfaced too. The tag could spark disputes over code ownership or copyright. In projects with strict rules, it might violate compliance standards. Users speculated Microsoft aimed to boost Copilot's reported usage stats. The GitHub discussion thread grew heated. Microsoft later locked it, citing spam.
GitHub, acquired by Microsoft in 2018, hosts millions of repositories. Hacker News, run by Y Combinator, serves as a key forum for tech discussions. These platforms amplify developer feedback quickly.
Developer's Response and Fix
Dmitriy Vasyura addressed the issue publicly. He admitted the feature should not activate with AI disabled. The tag also should not appear without actual AI use, he stated. Vasyura promised to revert the default behavior. This fix will come in VS Code version 1.119.
Copilot launched publicly in 2021. It draws from vast code datasets to offer suggestions. Users can enable or disable it in VS Code settings. The incident highlights tensions around AI transparency in tools. Developers expect clear control over such features.
Microsoft maintains VS Code as cross-platform software. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The editor holds a large market share among professionals. Extensions like Copilot require separate installation and authentication.
The episode underscores the importance of commit integrity. Accurate authorship aids collaboration and auditing. As AI tools integrate deeper into workflows, users demand opt-in controls and honest labeling.