Duolingo rolls back AI performance review policy following internal backlash

Duolingo has officially rolled back its controversial AI performance review policy after internal concerns arose regarding the forced adoption of artificial intelligence in workplace evaluations.

The shift in strategy was confirmed by CEO Luis von Ahn during a recent appearance on the Silicon Valley Girl podcast.

Initially launched in April 2025 as part of an "AI-first" initiative, the policy was designed to measure how frequently employees utilised AI tools, using that data as a primary metric for career advancement and performance scoring.

The decision to discontinue the process followed a period of internal friction, with staff expressing that the policy pressured them to use AI even when it was unnecessary or inefficient.

Von Ahn acknowledged that employees felt they were being pushed to use the technology "for AI’s sake," which compromised the quality of their work.

"At the end, we backtracked, and we said no," von Ahn stated. "The most important thing in your performance is that you are doing whatever your job is as well as possible."

While the specific performance review mandates have been suspended, Duolingo continues to integrate AI where it enhances productivity.

The company previously indicated plans to reduce reliance on contractors for roles that can be automated.

However, von Ahn emphasised that Duolingo is not looking to replace its core workforce with technology and continues to hire at its standard pace.

This reversal comes as other tech organisations, such as Meta, reportedly consider implementing strict AI usage targets for their employees, highlighting a growing tension between executive AI goals and employee workflow.