Update on "Co-authored-by: Copilot" in commit messages
github.com
May 6, 2026
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Summary
Version 1.110 of Visual Studio Code introduces a setting to include Copilot as a coauthor in commit messages by appending "Co-authored-by: Copilot <copilot@github.com>". The setting git.addAICoAuthor offers three values: off (no attribution), conditional attribution based on Copilot's assistance, and always add attribution.
Key Takeaways
- The default setting for AI attribution in commit messages was changed from "off" to "all" in version 1.117, but was reverted back to "off" in version 1.118 due to a bug that incorrectly attributed non-Copilot code to Copilot.
- The feature will require user consent before adding a commit trailer, regardless of the default setting value.
- Future improvements will consider using "assisted-by" attribution instead of "co-authored-by" for AI agents, allowing for the inclusion of specific model information in commit messages.
- Microsoft is reviewing its test and release processes to prevent similar issues with AI attribution in the future.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- The integration of AI tools like Copilot can enhance productivity, but the default attribution raises concerns about credit for developers' work.
- Using a standalone git client allows developers to maintain control over their commit messages, avoiding unwanted AI attributions.
Concerns
- The decision to automatically include 'Co-authored-by: Copilot' in commit messages has caused frustration, as many developers feel it undermines their contributions.
- There is confusion and dissatisfaction regarding the lack of clarity from Microsoft about the reasoning behind this change, leading to distrust among users.
- The implementation of this feature seems rushed, as it was described as a bug that should have been caught during testing, raising concerns about quality control.
