Duolingo CEO says controversial AI memo was misunderstood

In a recent interview, Luis von Ahn, the CEO of Duolingo, addressed the controversy surrounding his previous memo where he declared the company's shift to becoming "AI-first." Von Ahn acknowledged that his initial statement lacked sufficient context, leading to misunderstandings. The CEO explained that Duolingo's transition to an AI-focused approach is aimed at enhancing the user experience and making the language-learning platform more accessible and personalized. By leveraging AI, the company aims to provide tailored lessons and content, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of Duolingo's services. Von Ahn emphasized that the company's core mission of making education accessible to all remains unchanged, and the incorporation of AI technology is intended to support and further this goal. He reiterated Duolingo's commitment to responsible AI development and ensuring that the technology is used in an ethical and transparent manner.