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Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, unintentionally recorded private conversations. The lawsuit claims Siri’s accidental activations led to recordings being shared with third parties and used for targeted advertising, raising serious data privacy concerns.
What Is the Siri Privacy Lawsuit About?
The legal battle, which lasted five years, focuses on accidental Siri activations that occurred after the “Hey Siri” feature was introduced in 2014. These unintended recordings reportedly began even without users explicitly saying “Hey Siri.”
A whistleblower told The Guardian that Siri was sometimes triggered by actions like lifting an Apple Watch or detecting background speech. Users suspected privacy breaches when they received highly specific targeted ads shortly after mentioning products like Air Jordans or brands like Olive Garden—though these claims remain disputed.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
If the settlement is approved, Apple customers who purchased Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, can receive up to $20 per device. Eligible devices include:
- iPhones
- iPads
- Apple Watches
- MacBooks
- HomePods
- iPod touches
- Apple TVs
Each user can file claims for up to five devices, potentially receiving a maximum of $100.
When Will the Settlement Be Finalized?
The court hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for February 14, 2025. Once finalized, Apple will notify all affected customers and provide compensation. Additionally, the settlement mandates the permanent deletion of personal recordings, ensuring stronger data protection for users.
Siri Privacy Breach: A Broader Impact
The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over voice assistant privacy. Critics argue that Apple’s actions constitute a “serious violation of social norms.” The settlement, while seen as a partial victory for users, allows Apple to avoid higher liability. If fully litigated, Apple could have faced fines exceeding $1.5 billion under the Wiretap Act.
Apple has denied wrongdoing, asserting there is “no concrete link” between Siri recordings and targeted ads. However, this settlement reflects approximately 10-15% of expected compensation, according to plaintiffs’ attorneys.
Similar Lawsuits Against Tech Giants
Apple is not alone in facing privacy-related lawsuits. Reuters reports that Google is battling a similar case over its Google Assistant, with no resolution expected before fall 2025.
What This Means for Apple Users
This case underscores the importance of data privacy in the era of smart devices. While Apple’s settlement may bring closure, it also highlights the need for stricter regulations on voice assistant technologies.
For affected users, this is an opportunity to receive compensation and ensure their private conversations remain private.
