Duolingo keeps your personal data for as long as it decides is necessary for its services, with no specific time limits stated, unless law requires otherwise.
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
This clause allocates discretion to Duolingo to determine retention duration based on operational necessity and legal compliance obligations. It establishes a standards-based retention framework rather than specifying defined retention windows, which affects how long user data remains in the company's systems.
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 →Duolingo does not commit to a specific retention period for most categories of personal data, meaning your voice recordings, learning history, and behavioral data may be kept indefinitely as long as Duolingo determines there is a service-related purpose. EU users may have stronger rights to challenge retention duration under GDPR.
How other platforms handle this
We collect and keep personal data only as needed or allowed for the purposes set out in this Statement, based on the reason we collected the personal data in the first instance and what is permitted under the laws that apply to the processing.
Affirm will retain your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and any applicable state or federal law, rule or regulation.
Mistral AI shall retain the Customer Exportable Data and Assets for a period of thirty (30) days from the earlier between (a) the expiration of the Transitional Period or (b) Customer's notification under Section 2.2.2 (b) of these Additional Terms.
"We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.Excerpt from Duolingo's Privacy Policy
(1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: GDPR Article 5(1)(e) establishes the storage limitation principle, requiring that personal data be kept no longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed.
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This clause allocates discretion to Duolingo to determine retention duration based on operational necessity and legal compliance obligations. It establishes a standards-based retention framework rather than specifying defined retention windows, which affects how long user data remains in the company's systems.
Duolingo does not commit to a specific retention period for most categories of personal data, meaning your voice recordings, learning history, and behavioral data may be kept indefinitely as long as Duolingo determines there is a service-related purpose. EU users may have stronger rights to challenge retention duration under GDPR.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 274 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Duolingo.