Language learning app Duolingo has made a clear statement that it will not lay off employees due to AI transforming its business processes. CEO Luis von Ahn emphasized that, despite widespread rumors that AI tools will replace the workforce, it has not laid off any full-time employees and has no plans to do so.

Will Duolingo adapt to AI?

AI is outperforming traditional translation tools by demonstrating high success rates in translation. This has raised questions about the future of language learning apps like Duolingo. However, CEO von Ahn acknowledged that AI will change the job descriptions of engineers and that the same number of employees can produce more work.

Von Ahn, who drew criticism for his statement “AI is our priority” in April, said this statement was misunderstood. He stated that the goal is not to lay off employees, but to increase productivity.

It was announced that Duolingo will reduce 10 percent of its contractor positions by 2024 due to the impact of AI, but that this cut does not include full-time employees. Even though AI bots are currently providing Duolingo’s services, the company is not making any changes to its full-time employment policy.

Duolingo’s approach sets an example for other companies in AI integration. Rather than completely eliminating the workforce, using AI as a supplementary tool to enable employees to focus on more creative and strategic tasks is becoming part of next-generation business models.

While providing its core services through AI bots, the company maintains a strategy of using its workforce more efficiently, keeping pace with technological advancements while prioritizing employee safety.