Inside Duolingo’s Controversial ‘AI-First’ Strategy
WSJ Tech News BriefingSeptember 23, 2025
2618
00:10:5710.03 MB

Inside Duolingo’s Controversial ‘AI-First’ Strategy

When Duolingo’s CEO told staff he wanted the company to become an “AI-first” business, critics questioned if it was a euphemism for human layoffs. The WSJ Leadership Institute’s Belle Lin gets an update on how the pivot is working in practice. Also, workplace reporter Ray A. Smith explains how changes to the H-1B visa program sent the tech industry spiraling. Katie Deighton hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.

When Duolingo’s CEO told staff he wanted the company to become an “AI-first” business, critics questioned if it was a euphemism for human layoffs. The WSJ Leadership Institute’s Belle Lin gets an update on how the pivot is working in practice. Also, workplace reporter Ray A. Smith explains how changes to the H-1B visa program sent the tech industry spiraling. Katie Deighton hosts.


Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.