Turnitin's Staff Layoffs: CEO Predicts AI Technology Will Enable Workforce Reductions

Concerns about AI-driven job losses have surged, yet few CEOs openly acknowledge that these technologies could lead to workforce reductions. Chris Caren, CEO of Turnitin— a leading plagiarism detection service— previously warned that AI advancements could enable the company to cut up to 20% of its workforce within 18 months. Recently, Turnitin confirmed a small round of layoffs.

Turnitin laid off approximately 15 employees as part of broader organizational restructuring. While this figure falls short of the anticipated 20% reduction — Turnitin currently employs over 900 individuals according to LinkedIn and PitchBook — these layoffs are noteworthy in light of Caren's earlier statements.

During a 2023 event, Caren indicated that Turnitin employs several hundred engineers, but he projected a future need for only 20% of that workforce within 18 months. He added that the company may prioritize hiring directly from high schools instead of seeking candidates from four-year colleges, likely applying the same strategy to sales and marketing roles. His insights came during a discussion on how AI can significantly enhance operational efficiency.

Turnitin utilizes advanced machine learning and AI technologies to identify instances of plagiarism in student writing. The company partners with educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, and collaborates with platforms such as Coursera and Blackboard.

The trend of AI replacing human jobs is becoming increasingly evident. Recently, Klarna reported that its AI Assistant can perform the work of 700 employees, a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the industry.

Turnitin confirmed the layoffs in a statement but did not disclose the exact number of affected employees:

"After careful consideration, we informed our global team late last year about organizational changes aimed at evolving our business strategy, streamlining processes, and enhancing customer focus to support Turnitin's continued growth. We are grateful for the contributions of impacted team members and have provided transitional support. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not comment further on this internal matter."