Duolingo under fire for adopting AI-first strategy amid plans to replace contract workers

Duolingo's CEO announces shift to AI-first approach, phasing out contractors and integrating AI into hiring processes.

Duolingo has announced a major transition to an “AI-first” operational model, a move that includes gradually phasing out contract workers in favour of artificial intelligence.

The shift, detailed in an internal email from CEO Luis von Ahn and later shared on LinkedIn, sets the tone for a broader transformation in how the language-learning platform delivers content and manages hiring.

“AI is already changing how work gets done,” von Ahn wrote. “When there's a shift this big, the worst thing you can do is wait.” Under the new strategy, Duolingo will incorporate AI tools into hiring decisions and performance reviews. New hires will only be approved if tasks cannot be automated.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/duolingo_below-is-an-all-hands-email-from-our-activity-7322560534824865792-l9vh

The company, valued at over $17 billion, had previously reduced its contractor base by 10% in 2024, citing improvements in AI-powered translation and moderation tools. Von Ahn stressed that the changes are not intended to displace current full-time staff but to enable them to focus on more complex, creative work.

Despite these reassurances, Duolingo’s announcement has sparked backlash online. Several users voiced frustration over the direction the platform is taking. “Nah this bird needs to die again now,” wrote one user on X, referring to a marketing stunt earlier this year, while others highlighted how the platform has degraded since it started integrating AI into the app.

Nah this bird needs to die again now

— Ember (@xMezuko) April 29, 2025

They should replace the CEO with AI, not the workers.

Then Duolingo might stop underperforming due to his stupid f**king ideas.

— Pigeon (@PigeonGoGaming) April 29, 2025

You've ruined your app with AI and the gradual moving away from manual maintenance and moderation. Remove AI and bring back forums.

— mijmije (@mijmije_) April 30, 2025

Duolingo maintains that its vision is about enhancing scale and educational accessibility.

As part of its AI expansion, Duolingo has rolled out new features including AI-driven conversation tools like “Video Call,” allowing users to practise language skills with virtual characters.