Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle allegations that Siri recorded users’ conversations without consent and shared the data with advertisers. The class action lawsuit claims that Siri activated unintentionally, recording private conversations and using the recordings to target users with ads. While Apple denies wrongdoing, it acknowledged that unintentional activations may have occurred. The settlement seeks to avoid a prolonged legal battle.
Details of the Siri Lawsuit Settlement
Apple has reached a $95 million settlement in a class action lawsuit accusing Siri of recording conversations without user consent. The lawsuit alleges that Siri sometimes activated unintentionally, recording private conversations without the “Hey, Siri” command. The recordings were allegedly shared with advertisers to target users with personalized ads, such as those related to Air Jordans.
Lead plaintiff Fumiko Lopez claims that she and her daughter were unknowingly recorded, leading to targeted ads related to their discussions. While Apple denies any intentional wrongdoing, it acknowledged that Siri may have unintentionally recorded conversations in certain cases. The company also clarified that it deleted all Siri recordings made before October 2019.
Compensation for Affected Users
The settlement will compensate eligible U.S.-based claimants who owned Siri-enabled devices between 2014 and 2019. Affected individuals may receive up to $20 per device. The settlement is expected to be finalized by February 14, 2025. Attorneys handling the case are anticipated to take around $30 million in fees and expenses.
By settling the case, Apple avoids the potential for a higher payout in court while continuing to assert that it did not intentionally record or share user conversations. This case is part of a broader wave of lawsuits challenging tech companies over user privacy and data practices.
Broader Impact of Tech Privacy Lawsuits
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding privacy and data use by major tech companies. Apple’s settlement follows a $500 million settlement in 2024 over claims that the company slowed older iPhones and another $490 million settlement in the UK over similar issues.
Other tech giants, including Google, face similar legal challenges. The same law firm representing the Siri claimants is also suing Google for allegedly eavesdropping on its device users. This case is progressing through Northern California courts, amplifying scrutiny of tech companies’ privacy practices.
For those looking to take control of their voice assistant experience, an Amazon Echo Dot offers a compact and user-friendly alternative to Siri. You can control privacy settings, personalize voice interactions, and ensure a safer experience with your smart devices.
