Duolingo records your voice when you use speaking exercises and uses those recordings to improve its speech recognition systems and provide pronunciation feedback.
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 provision establishes the operational basis for voice data collection tied to specific service features and defines the primary purposes for processing that data—technology improvement and user-facing feedback delivery. This framing links data collection to stated functional objectives within the service.
Interpretive note: Whether Duolingo's voice recordings meet the statutory definition of 'biometric identifier' under BIPA or constitute biometric data under GDPR Article 9 depends on the specific processing methodology and applicable legal interpretation, which is not fully resolved by document language alone.
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 →Your voice recordings made during Duolingo speaking exercises may be retained and used to train or improve Duolingo's speech recognition technology, meaning this biometric-adjacent data persists beyond the immediate lesson interaction. Users in states like Illinois may have additional rights regarding how this data is stored and used.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Voice Recording Collection and Use and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"We collect voice recordings when you use features that require microphone access, such as speaking exercises. We use this data to evaluate and improve our speech recognition technology and to provide you with feedback on your pronunciation.Excerpt from Duolingo's Privacy Policy
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Voice data collection engages the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI), and Washington's My Health MY Data Act in the US, as well …
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The provision establishes the operational basis for voice data collection tied to specific service features and defines the primary purposes for processing that data—technology improvement and user-facing feedback delivery. This framing links data collection to stated functional objectives within the service.
Your voice recordings made during Duolingo speaking exercises may be retained and used to train or improve Duolingo's speech recognition technology, meaning this biometric-adjacent data persists beyond the immediate lesson interaction. Users in states like Illinois may have additional rights regarding how this data is stored and used.
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