Apple to pay $95 million to settle Siri privacy lawsuit
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a long-standing class-action lawsuit alleging that its Siri voice assistant violated user privacy. The lawsuit, initiated in 2019, claimed that Apple routinely recorded users’ conversations, even without intentional activation of Siri, and shared these recordings with third parties, including advertisers. This practice, the plaintiffs argued, constituted a breach of privacy and led to targeted advertising based on private conversations.
Background of the Lawsuit
The controversy began with the introduction of the “Hey Siri” feature, which allows users to activate the voice assistant hands-free. The lawsuit alleged that this feature inadvertently triggered recordings of private conversations, which were then sent to Apple for quality control purposes. These recordings, according to the lawsuit, often included sensitive information, such as medical discussions, business deals, and personal matters.
The plaintiffs further claimed that Apple shared these recordings with third-party contractors and advertisers, leading to targeted advertising based on private conversations. For instance, some plaintiffs reported receiving ads for products they had discussed in private, such as Air Jordan sneakers or Olive Garden restaurants.
Terms of the Settlement
The $95 million settlement, which still requires court approval, aims to compensate affected users for the alleged privacy violations. The settlement class includes individuals in the United States who used Siri on their Apple devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. These users may be eligible to receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, HomePods, iPod Touches, and Apple TVs.
Apple, while agreeing to the settlement, has denied any wrongdoing. The company has maintained that it takes user privacy seriously and has implemented measures to protect user data. However, the settlement suggests that Apple acknowledges the concerns raised by the lawsuit and is willing to compensate users to avoid further legal battles.
Implications of the Settlement
This settlement has significant implications for Apple and the broader tech industry. It highlights the growing concerns about user privacy in the age of voice assistants and smart devices. The case underscores the importance of transparency and user consent when it comes to data collection and usage.
For Apple, this settlement could lead to changes in its Siri practices. The company may need to enhance its privacy safeguards and provide users with more control over their data. This could involve clearer disclosures about data collection practices, improved opt-out options, and stricter data handling protocols.
The settlement could also influence other tech companies that offer voice assistants and smart devices. These companies may need to reassess their privacy practices and ensure they are adequately protecting user data. This could lead to industry-wide changes in data handling and privacy policies.Apple to Pay $95 Million to Settle Siri Privacy Lawsuit
The $95 million settlement between Apple and the Siri privacy lawsuit plaintiffs marks a significant development in the ongoing debate about user privacy and data collection. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the settlement highlights the importance of user consent and transparency in data handling practices. This case could lead to changes in Apple’s Siri practices and influence the broader tech industry’s approach to user privacy.