Is Duolingo (Max AI features) safe for UK schools?

AI Prefect rates Duolingo (Max AI features) Red for staff use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated) and Red for pupil use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.

Does Duolingo (Max AI features) train on our data?

According to the supplier's published documents: YES - recordings/transcripts may train Duolingo's own AI models.

Where is Duolingo (Max AI features) data stored?

AI text and audio shared with OpenAI and Google.

What age is Duolingo (Max AI features) for?

under 13 allowed with parent email.

Is there a safer alternative to Duolingo (Max AI features)?

We have not yet found a better-rated tool with the same main use. Our tool page lists what to look for instead.

Duolingo (Max AI features)

Duolingo · language learning · Last checked 2026-10-23

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Rating: a rules-based summary of the supplier’s published terms. Not legal advice and not a substitute for a DPIA. How it’s worked out

Staff and pupils: RED Not recommended for school data

Why red:

Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated

How is this rated?

Key facts

Trains on what you type: Yes
Where data is stored: Other / unclear
Minimum age: 13–17
Use case: Language learning
Sector: Schools
Research status: Sourced

Safer alternatives

Same main use (Language learning) and sector, rated better for the same audience. Alternatives are suggested from our published ratings; check they meet your needs. How alternatives are chosen

Staff and pupils

No better-rated alternative found yet: here’s what to look for.

It acts as a processor for your school (not a controller)
It doesn’t train its AI on what you type
Data stays in the UK/EU, or transfer safeguards (standard contractual clauses, the UK IDTA or adequacy) are stated
There is a data processing agreement (DPA) for schools
The minimum age fits your pupils, or pupils use it through a school account

We’ve logged this gap and will research tools for it in our weekly update.

New here? Each field has a short explanation underneath. Our getting started guide explains what to look for and what to do next.

About the tool

SupplierThe company that makes and runs the tool.: Duolingo
WebsiteWhere we found the main information about the tool.: https://www.duolingo.com/
CategoryWhat sort of tool it is, for example a chatbot or a lesson-planning helper.: language learning
Pupil-facingWhether pupils use it directly, or only staff. Pupil use needs extra care.: yes (consumer)

Your data

Processor or controllerA processor only uses data on your school’s instructions. A controller makes its own decisions about the data, which means your school has less say.: not stated
Where data is storedWhich country the data is stored in. UK or EU storage is usually simpler for schools.: AI text and audio shared with OpenAI and Google
Trains AI models on inputsWhether what you type (or upload) may be used to improve the supplier’s AI. “No” is what you want for anything about pupils or staff.: YES - recordings/transcripts may train Duolingo's own AI models
How long inputs are keptHow long the supplier keeps what you type before deleting it.: not stated

Agreements and contacts

Privacy noticeThe supplier’s privacy notice: their own explanation of what they do with personal data.: https://www.duolingo.com/privacy
Data processing agreement (DPA)The data processing agreement: the contract that sets out how the supplier must look after your school’s data.: not stated
Signs individual DPAs with schoolsWhether the supplier will sign a data agreement with your school specifically, rather than just standard online terms.: not stated
UK GDPR representative / DPOWhether the supplier names a data protection officer or UK representative you can contact about data questions.: not stated

Age and safety

Minimum ageThe youngest age the supplier allows to use the tool. Check this before any pupil uses it.: under 13 allowed with parent email
Key safety noteAnything else worth knowing, such as admin controls or content filtering.: not stated
Research statusHow complete our research on this tool is.: sourced

Sources

duolingo.comhttps://www.duolingo.com/privacy

Change history

No changes recorded since this entry was first published.

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Quick answers

Is Duolingo (Max AI features) safe for UK schools?: AI Prefect rates Duolingo (Max AI features) Red for staff use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated) and Red for pupil use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.
Does Duolingo (Max AI features) train on our data?: According to the supplier's published documents: YES - recordings/transcripts may train Duolingo's own AI models.
Where is Duolingo (Max AI features) data stored?: AI text and audio shared with OpenAI and Google.
What age is Duolingo (Max AI features) for?: under 13 allowed with parent email.
Is there a safer alternative to Duolingo (Max AI features)?: We have not yet found a better-rated tool with the same main use. Our tool page lists what to look for instead.

Generated only from the facts above. “Not stated” means the supplier doesn’t publish it.

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