Duolingo states it does not intentionally collect personal data from children under 13 without a parent's permission, and will delete such data if notified.
This analysis describes what Duolingo's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The policy asserts COPPA compliance for users under 13, which is significant given Duolingo's broad appeal to younger users; however, the adequacy of age verification mechanisms and parental consent processes is a material compliance question.
Interpretive note: The practical adequacy of Duolingo's age verification and parental consent mechanisms cannot be assessed from the policy text alone; 'knowingly' under COPPA is a legal standard with nuanced enforcement context.
The updated policy removes explicit language stating that Android users and website users are not subject to audio collection for product improvement purposes. Previously, the policy authorized audio collection only from iOS users, with an explicit carve-out for Android and web users. The revised language now states that all users may choose not to share audio within app Settings, suggesting audio collection may now occur across all platforms unless the opt-out mechanism is used. The practical operational effect of this change depends on whether Duolingo implements audio collection on Android and web platforms, which the policy change does not explicitly confirm. You can decline audio sharing for product improvement by adjusting the setting within the app.
View change record →Removed mention of separate experience for younger users and family features management, and added specific contact email (privacy@duolingo.com) for parental concerns instead of proactive deletion language.
View full change record →The policy states that personal data collected from children under 13 without parental consent will be deleted upon notification, and that parents can contact privacy@duolingo.com to report such collection and request deletion.
How other platforms handle this
to withdraw your consent to our processing of your data (where such processing is based on consent)
When you use them, we'll validate your request by verifying your identity (for example, by confirming that you're signed in to your Google Account).
By providing your mobile phone number, you consent to receive automated text (SMS) messages from Instacart...To opt out, reply STOP. For help, reply HELP or contact us directly...
"We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have collected information from your child without your consent, please contact us at privacy@duolingo.com. We will delete the information as soon as possible.Excerpt from Duolingo's Privacy Policy
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision directly engages the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), enforced by the FTC, which requires verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13 in the United States.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
Ad personalization controls removed. Contact scanning added. Advertiser data partnerships quietly dropped. A timeline of every change.
Get the research letter
Companies change their terms quietly. We read every version and catch what actually changed. One email a week on the changes that matter and what they mean.
The policy asserts COPPA compliance for users under 13, which is significant given Duolingo's broad appeal to younger users; however, the adequacy of age verification mechanisms and parental consent processes is a material compliance question.
The policy states that personal data collected from children under 13 without parental consent will be deleted upon notification, and that parents can contact privacy@duolingo.com to report such collection and request deletion.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Duolingo.