Duolingo CEO Sparks Uproar with AI-First Plans, Faces Backlash

Jul 30, 2025
Fortune
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Summary

Duolingo CEO's AI-first plans spark uproar as users threaten to cancel subscriptions over perceived threat to human workers, prompting CEO to clarify AI as a 'tool' rather than replacement, admitting underestimating backlash.

Key Points

  • Duolingo CEO outlines plan to become 'AI-first' company, replacing contractors with AI if possible
  • CEO faces backlash, with users threatening to cancel subscriptions over perceived threat to human workers
  • CEO clarifies AI will be a 'tool to accelerate' rather than replace employees, but admits underestimating negative reaction

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