Linus Torvalds Removes IPv4

From: Linus Torvalds <torvalds@linux-foundation.org> To: linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org Subject: [RFC] Remove IPv4 support from kernel, effective next merge window Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2025 10:42:00 -0700 Message-ID: <20250815-drop-ipv4@linux-foundation.org> Hey folks, After yet another *deeply* technical and entirely calm discussion about HRT (High-Resolution Timers) that somehow devolved into 200+ replies, personal insults, and at least one GIF of a raccoon, I have decided it's time to take drastic measures. Effective next merge window, we will be *removing IPv4 support* from the kernel. This will both (a) resolve the maintainers' scheduling disputes, and (b) force the world into the IPv6 utopia we were promised back in 1998. If you need IPv4 after this point, you can either: - run ancient kernel from before the change (good luck with the bugs), or - rewrite your applications to use IPv6 and learn to love colons in your addresses. Yes, I realize this will break roughly *everything*. No, I don't care. I have already switched all my machines to IPv6-only, except for the toaster, which unfortunately still insists on using a 192.168.x.x address. The toaster will be replaced. If you disagree with this decision, I suggest you take it up with the HRT maintainers. But please keep it civil this time. (Or at least keep the raccoon GIFs under 1MB.) - Linus

A mock email from Linus Torvalds announces the absurd decision to remove IPv4 support from the Linux kernel. The joke escalates ordinary kernel-maintainer arguments into an authoritarian technical decree, with IPv6 zealotry and a toaster still using a 192.168.x.x address as the punchline. It can be sent as a reaction to heated developer discussions, mailing-list drama, or jokingly extreme infrastructure decisions.

• @profunctor_io / 11074 2025-08-29