Clarification Needed: KA Guidelines on Generative AI in Programming Projects

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Gray Wolf 🐺

January 12, 2026 09:54

I recently checked the hot list on Khan Academy (Browse Projects) and noticed that my program was hidden by the Guardians, despite having zero flags (verified via the ProgramData API). I’m trying to understand why it was hidden, as it does not appear to violate any of the current KA Guidelines.

I invested significant time and effort into this project to demonstrate what’s possible with Generative AI, which I believe is highly valuable for learners. As I mentioned in the program comments, anyone aspiring to become a professional developer must learn how to leverage GenAI effectively.

Program link:
https://www.khanacademy.org/computer-programming/tree-ai/6367015876542464

I created this program last week using GitHub Copilot, with the sole purpose of showcasing what GenAI can produce in a PJS program. This idea stemmed from curiosity after seeing another KA project. I also included detailed comments at the top of the program to provide useful insights for learners. While I could have written the entire code myself, that was not the intent—the goal was to illustrate GenAI’s capabilities.

The program clearly states that it is AI-generated, both when loaded and in the comments (including what models were used). It also notes that I spent over 4 hours and approximately 150 prompts to achieve the final result—a significant investment of time and effort. Many of those prompts were highly specific, sometimes guiding the program line by line. I also clarified that this would be the only AI-generated program I create on KA, but I believe it delivers an important message: demonstrating what’s possible with GenAI.

I would greatly appreciate it if you could unhide my program, as I have not violated any KA Guidelines.

Additionally, I’d welcome feedback from KA staff and Guardians on this topic and clarification on the current Guidelines. If AI-related content is restricted, KA should update its official documentation accordingly. Khan Academy is a learning platform, and discouraging the use of AI contradicts that mission. Whether people like it or not, AI is becoming essential for future careers and development. The key is promoting responsible use—something KA is well-positioned to lead.

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5 comments

cwalsh1223 ‮BBB#‬

January 13, 2026 13:47
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It's only hidden from the Hot List, a decision that I agree with. The program API no longer shows flags.
Gray Wolf 🐺

January 13, 2026 14:12
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Hi cwalsh1223 #BBB,

I understand that the program was only hidden from the hotlist, but my question is: why? Based on the current Khan Academy Programming Guidelines, I don’t believe I’ve breached any rules, so I’m unsure why it needed to be hidden at all.

More broadly, it would be helpful for Khan Academy staff and guardians to clarify what the current guidelines actually are, so there’s clear visibility on what is and isn’t allowed.

As mentioned, I spent a significant amount of time on this program, and I believe it provided value by demonstrating what’s possible with GenAI. The comments included in the program were also intended to be educational and useful from a learning perspective.
Duke

January 23, 2026 17:11
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Hey Gray Wolf,

From talking to the guardians, they have told me that they hide programs from the hotlist if

1) Just Images
2) Just text and background
3) "Low-quality"(depends on the circumstance)
4) Programs where they didn't make it, which would include spin-offs, games where they just copied and pasted the code but gave credit, or AI-generated things with credit to AI.

I understand you put 4 hours of effort into the project. I think they would say something along the lines of "We won't to encourage others to learn code themselves and be able to code without AI, not just being able to use AI with good prompts.", I think if you were to have say spent a while coding a tree as well, and compared it, then it wouldn't have been removed form the hotlist.

Hopefully that clears some up, but yes, I agree that it would be nice if they sent a message clarifying (not necessarily a warning, but a message).
Arrow

February 22, 2026 03:47

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Gray Wolf 🐺,

Evan Lewis and/or William have remarked that in regard to Generative AI, they hide programs if:

A) They are completely generated

B) Generative AI use is not mentioned or credited, while a great majority of the program is irrefutably generated. This is typically more loosely enforced

Due to KA being a learning site purely, the concept of completely generating programs is discouraged because the user typically does not learn anything in the process (prompt generation is an insignificant argument). I also believe that the KA Moderators have made a update concerning AI usage in the Terms of Use.
Evan Lewis

May 06, 2026 22:22
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Hi all!

I wanted to let you know that today we updated the Project Guidelines to include specific policies regarding AI-generated content.

We have also added a new "AI-generated" flag option for users to report AI-generated projects that are on the Hot List.

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Clarification Needed: KA Guidelines on Generative AI in Programming Projects

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