Apple users may soon be eligible for a cash payout as the tech giant has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging Siri eavesdropping. The settlement, filed on December 13, 2024, in Oakland, California, is awaiting approval from a U.S. district judge, according to Reuters.
Allegations Against Apple
The lawsuit accuses Apple of infringing on user privacy by capturing conversations through Siri when the voice assistant was accidentally triggered. The information was allegedly shared with advertisers. The controversy dates back to 2019, when The Guardian reported that Apple contractors had listened to Siri recordings of private conversations, including sensitive topics such as medical appointments, sexual activity, and drug deals.
Although Apple disclosed that Siri interactions might be recorded, the company did not explicitly reveal the presence of human oversight in analyzing these recordings. The plaintiffs in this case claim Apple failed to inform users that Siri was regularly recording their conversations without consent.
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Examples of Siri Eavesdropping
Two plaintiffs highlighted instances where Siri allegedly captured private discussions and led to targeted ads:
- One mentioned Air Jordan shoes and subsequently saw advertisements for the product.
- Another received medical ads after discussing a surgical treatment with their doctor.
Who is Eligible for the Siri Settlement?
If the settlement receives final approval, Siri users in the U.S. who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, may be eligible to file a claim. Claimants must attest under oath that they experienced unintentional Siri activation and believe their private conversations were recorded.
A dedicated website will be launched within 45 days of the settlement approval, where eligible users can submit their claims. The deadline to file is May 15, 2025.
Payout Details
Eligible Siri users can expect a payout of $20 per device, up to five devices, for a maximum of $100. However, the actual payment may vary depending on the total number of approved claims.
Breakdown of the $95 Million Settlement
Not all of the settlement funds will go directly to claimants. Approximately 30% (around $30 million) will cover legal fees and expenses.
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Apple’s Response to the Allegations
Apple has consistently denied the allegations, stating that Siri has been designed to prioritize user privacy. In an official statement, an Apple spokesperson said:
“Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles or sold to anyone for any purpose. We settled this case to avoid prolonged litigation and move forward from concerns about third-party grading that we addressed in 2019.”
Steps Apple Has Taken to Protect Privacy
Since 2019, Apple has implemented several changes to enhance Siri’s privacy features:
- Audio recordings no longer retained: Only computer-generated transcripts are used for improvements.
- Opt-in analytics: Users must now explicitly opt in for Siri data collection.
- On-device processing: For devices with A12 Bionic chips or later, audio requests are processed on the device using the Apple Neural Engine.
- Random identifiers: Siri data is anonymized using random identifiers rather than being tied to user accounts.
- Review and deletion: Users can review and delete Siri transcripts via device settings.
Apple emphasizes that Siri data is used solely to improve functionality, not for targeted advertising.
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How to Protect Your Privacy While Using Siri
To minimize unintentional Siri activation and ensure your data remains private:
- Adjust settings: Disable “Hey Siri” if you don’t use the feature often.
- Review transcripts: Regularly review and delete Siri transcripts in your device settings.
- Opt out of data sharing: Avoid opting in for Siri analytics.
Apple’s commitment to privacy includes continuously refining its voice assistant to ensure user trust while delivering accurate and helpful responses.
