Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement Over Siri Privacy Allegations
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of using its Siri virtual assistant to record private conversations without users’ consent. The lawsuit, filed five years ago, alleges that Siri inadvertently activated and captured conversations on iPhones and other Apple devices, even when users did not say the trigger phrase, “Hey, Siri.”
Allegations Against Apple
The lawsuit claims that Siri-enabled devices recorded private conversations and shared the data with third parties, including advertisers, to target users with tailored advertisements. Examples cited in the lawsuit include ads for Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants appearing after casual mentions of the brands. Another plaintiff reported receiving ads for a surgical treatment after discussing it privately with a doctor.
These allegations raised questions about Apple’s commitment to privacy, a principle the company has repeatedly championed. CEO Tim Cook has often referred to privacy as “a fundamental human right.” Despite agreeing to the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing.
Terms of the Settlement
If approved by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, the settlement will resolve claims from millions of users who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Mac computers, HomePod speakers, and Apple TVs.
Consumers can file claims for up to five devices, potentially receiving up to $20 per device. However, the final payout amount could vary depending on the number of claims submitted. Claimants must certify under oath that Siri captured conversations they intended to keep private.
In addition to the monetary settlement, Apple will be required to:
Confirm the deletion of Siri audio recordings collected before October 2019.
Publish a webpage explaining its "Improve Siri" program, which allows users to opt-in for audio analysis to enhance Siri’s performance.
Broader Implications
The lawsuit stems from a 2019 report by The Guardian, which revealed that Apple contractors routinely listened to Siri recordings, including accidental activations triggered by sounds as innocuous as a zipper. At the time, Apple defended the practice, stating that only a small portion of data was used to improve Siri’s functionality.
Apple’s $95 million settlement represents a fraction of the company’s profits, which totaled $705 billion since 2014. Nevertheless, the lawsuit has highlighted concerns over the privacy implications of voice-activated technology and the need for stronger consumer protections.
Next Steps
The proposed settlement will be reviewed in a court hearing scheduled for February 14, 2025. If approved, consumers who qualify can submit claims to receive compensation. However, those who accept settlement funds will waive their right to pursue additional legal action against Apple for related claims.
This case serves as a reminder of the fine line between convenience and privacy in the digital age, and it underscores the growing scrutiny of tech companies’ handling of user data.
