Duolingo in Migrant Test Contract Race

0:00On April 22nd, the home office is tendering an 816 million pound contract for English language tests that migrants need for UK. Beases. They switched last year from in-person exams to all mine ones at A-level standard, opening the door for Duolingo, the language app giant, to lead the bidding. Duolingo hired Peter Mandelson's now-closed lobbying firm Global Council back in 2024. Global Council worked with Duolingo during July to September that year, and Mandelson showed up at their London events rubbing shoulders with labor. Big Wigs. Meanwhile, ministers met Duolingo execs to chat business opportunities and even posed with their mascot Owl on social media. The shift to remote testing came right after, which industry folks say played right into Duolingo's hands. British testing heavyweights like Owl's pulled out of the bid last month, slamming the online setup as a security risk that invites cheating through, impersonators, or hidden aides.

1:00Critics worry it'll weaken border controls, especially with immigration debates heating up. Tories are fuming, calling it a fraudster's playground that ignores promises to tighten rules. This week, a home office minister admitted online tests, bring new security headaches, but said bidders must prove they can handle it. Officials deny any shady lobbying swayed the decision, insisting the process stays fair and open. Duolingo says their government chats were all above board, and they dropped Global Council anyway. As the contract race heats up, questions linger on who really pulled the strings, but for now, Duolingo looks prime to cash in on this migrant. Testing Shake Up, stay sharp on how it plays out.