Duolingo is aiming to become "AI-first" by gradually removing contractors from tasks that AI can handle. The company will rethink its work processes and implement constructive constraints, such as changes to contractor relationships, AI use in hiring and performance reviews, and headcount only given if a team cannot automate more work. Co-founder and CEO Luis von Ahn emphasizes that the changes are not about replacing Duos with AI, but rather removing bottlenecks to allow employees to focus on creative work and real problems. This move follows a similar memo from Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke.