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Duolingo CEO Luis Von Ahn Clarifies ‘AI-First’ Remark After Backlash: 'Not Trying to Lay Off Humans'
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn clarified that criticism arose from missing context and emphasized AI will enhance learning without layoffs, with Fridays dedicated to AI experimentation.
- On August 17, 2025, Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn clarified he 'did not give enough context' in an interview with The New York Times about the AI-first memo backlash.
- Earlier this year, von Ahn drew criticism after declaring Duolingo would become an 'AI-first' company, sparking debate over layoffs and profit motives.
- Highlighting its workforce approach, von Ahn explained that Duolingo laid off 10% of its contractors in 2024 partly because of AI, but has never laid off full-time employees.
- Amid ongoing debate, teams explore AI every Friday through "f-r-AI-days," despite criticism, von Ahn remains bullish about AI's potential at Duolingo.
- In a broader perspective on AI adoption, Duolingo’s CEO von Ahn argued that AI aims to enhance effectiveness and accessibility, not to replace human roles, and the workplace conversation will evolve.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn clarifies ‘AI-first’ remark after backlash: 'Not trying to lay off humans'
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn clarified his “AI-first” remark, saying it was misinterpreted. The company has no plans to cut full-time staff. Von Ahn sees AI reshaping education, with schools focusing more on childcare as AI scales teaching through customised lessons.
Business Insider
BizTocDuolingo's CEO says he doesn't plan to lay off full-timers because of AI — but their jobs will change
"What will probably happen is that one person will be able to accomplish more, rather than having fewer people," Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn said of AI's impact on hiring.Kevin Dietsch via Getty ImagesDuolingo CEO Luis von Ahn drew backlash when he said he wanted the company to be "AI-first."von Ahn said he "did not give enough context" when he laid out his plan in April.He said the language learning platform does not plan to lay off any full-time…
TechCrunch
Duolingo CEO says controversial AI memo was misunderstood
While Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn faced backlash after declaring that Duolingo would become an “AI-first company,” he suggested in a new interview the real issue was that he “did not give enough context.”
An internal leak sparked a wave of public criticism on social media due to concerns about laying off employees and replacing them with artificial intelligence systems • Louis von Ahn clarifies: "On the contrary, we will continue to recruit at a normal pace" • Is this an explanation or an apology?
Duolingo CEO Defends AI Strategy After Memo Backlash
Duolingo’s decision to call itself an “AI-first company” has drawn sharp reactions this year. Many critics assumed the change signaled job cuts or a profit-driven shift. Chief Executive Luis von Ahn now says those fears were misplaced. Missing Context The controversy began when von Ahn’s internal note circulated outside the company. The phrase “AI-first” was […] The post Duolingo CEO Defends AI Strategy After Memo Backlash appeared first on Au…
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