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

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.

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.