Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn has clarified that a controversial internal memo, which stated the company would become “AI-first,” was misunderstood by the public and did not signal an intent to lay off full-time employees. The memo, which went public in April 2025, caused significant backlash from users who feared that the company was prioritizing profit over people and that AI would lead to job cuts.
In recent interviews, von Ahn admitted that the controversy was “on me” and that he “did not give enough context” in the original communication. He emphasized the following points to address the public’s concerns:
- No Layoffs for Full-Time Staff: Von Ahn stated that Duolingo has “never laid off any full-time employees” and does not plan to. He explained that the company’s reliance on contractors has always fluctuated based on business needs, and the shift to AI primarily affects temporary tasks that can be automated.
- Focus on Productivity, Not Replacement: The CEO described the “AI-first” strategy as a mindset shift, where AI is seen as a tool to enhance employee productivity rather than replace them. He noted that one person will now be able to accomplish more by using AI to handle repetitive tasks, freeing them up for more creative and strategic work.
- Encouraging AI Experimentation: To embed this new approach, Duolingo has introduced “f-r-A-I-days,” weekly Friday morning sessions where employees are encouraged to experiment with AI tools to improve their efficiency.
The backlash was so intense that Duolingo, a company known for its quirky and popular social media presence, briefly went silent and removed many of its posts. Despite the public outcry, the company’s financial performance has remained strong.
