Duolingo under fire: Hungary opens investigation into language app giant
Hungary’s Competition Authority (GVH) has launched a competition supervision procedure against Duolingo Inc., the US-based company behind the world’s most popular language-learning app, on suspicion of unfair commercial practices.
Hungary’s watchdog probes Duolingo over unfair practices
According to GVH, the company may have misled consumers in several ways. The watchdog suspects Duolingo of exaggerating the effectiveness of its learning methods, citing claims such as “9 out of 10 learners can speak confidently after one month”, as well as unsubstantiated slogans like “the best way in the world to learn a language.”
The authority also pointed out that Duolingo may have failed to provide clear, accessible, and Hungarian-language information about the terms of use of its web and mobile platforms, especially regarding the limitations of the free version. In addition, the company allegedly pressures users through frequent and unsolicited direct marketing messages, encouraging them to use the service more often and switch to the paid version.
Duolingo is one of the world’s leading online language-learning providers, boasting nearly 380,000 daily active users in Hungary alone. Its mascot and logo, the green owl known as Duo, is recognized worldwide.
GVH emphasized that launching the procedure does not mean a violation has already been established; the investigation aims to clarify the facts and determine whether any infringement has taken place. The probe is expected to last three months, with the possibility of two extensions of up to two months each.
Read also: Game changer? New Harvard study traces the origins of the Hungarian language to a surprising region
Read here for more news about the Hungarian language to English
FAQ – Hungary’s watchdog probes Duolingo over unfair practices
What do we know about Duolingo?
Duolingo is a US-based language-learning platform founded in 2011. It offers free and paid services through its website and mobile app, using short, game-like lessons to make learning accessible and engaging. The app covers over 40 languages and has more than 500 million registered users worldwide. Its mascot, a green owl named Duo, has become an iconic symbol of the brand.
How many people use Duolingo in Hungary?
According to Hungary’s Competition Authority (GVH), around 380,000 users actively use Duolingo on a daily basis in Hungary, making it one of the country’s most popular language-learning apps.
Why did the GVH launch an investigation into Duolingo?
The GVH suspects that Duolingo may have misled consumers by: making exaggerated claims about the effectiveness of its learning method, failing to clearly communicate the limitations of the free version, sending unsolicited direct marketing messages pressuring users to switch to the paid plan.
Does the probe affect Hungarian users immediately?
No. Launching the investigation does not automatically mean a violation has been proven. GVH has three months to conduct the procedure, which can be extended twice by up to two months. In the meantime, Duolingo continues to operate in Hungary without changes.
Services in English in Hungary – A new platform to reach the international audience
I use Duolingo everyday for learning Hungarian, it’s one of the best app. I don’t see the point on this article using myself the free version
If I was to be cynical I would say that the real reason is because a lot of the character situations involve same sex couples and marriages. Plus one male character cross dresses in at least one module.
For learning Hungarian I found Mondly to be a lot better than Duolingo but it’s fine for French/German/etc.
Ik heb er al veel van geleerd ,zeker als je een geheugen hebt als een zeef zoals ik ,Je kan ook hongaarse lessen online volgen op de Universiteit van Leuven (Belgie)via ICL maar is te academisch.