Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement in response to a class-action lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant, Siri, recorded private conversations without user consent. This settlement comes after reports of accidental activations and privacy concerns, shedding light on the growing need for robust data protection and ethical use of AI in smart devices. While Apple denies the allegations, it chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation.
Here’s a breakdown of the lawsuit, the terms of the settlement, and how affected users can claim their share.
The Privacy Concerns Behind the Lawsuit
The lawsuit stems from reports in 2019 that revealed Siri could inadvertently record private conversations due to its activation being triggered by everyday background sounds. Whistleblowers also disclosed that Apple contractors listened to some of these recordings for quality assurance, raising concerns about misuse and data privacy.
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Oakland, California, covers claims from September 2014 to December 2024, with several key issues raised, including:
- Unintended Activations: Siri misheard everyday sounds as its wake phrase, “Hey Siri,” and activated to record conversations without consent.
- Contractor Eavesdropping: Apple contractors allegedly listened to up to 1,000 audio recordings daily, some containing sensitive content.
- Data Sharing Concerns: Plaintiffs accused Apple of sharing these recordings with advertisers for targeted marketing, violating user privacy.
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Apple’s $95 Million Settlement
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle the claims, with $30 million allocated for attorney fees and other legal costs. The remaining $65 million will be used to compensate eligible claimants, who could receive up to $20 for each Siri-enabled device owned during the affected period.
Settlement Timeline
The settlement is still pending court approval, expected on February 14, 2025. Once approved, claimants will have until May 15, 2025, to submit their claims.
Eligibility Criteria for Compensation
To be eligible for compensation, U.S.-based users must meet the following criteria:
- Device Ownership: Own Siri-enabled devices between September 2014 and December 2022.
- Proof of Ownership: Users must provide proof of device ownership, such as serial numbers or purchase receipts.
Eligible devices include:
- iPhone (September 2014 – December 2022)
- iPad (September 2014 – December 2022)
- MacBook (September 2014 – December 2022)
- Apple Watch (April 2015 – December 2022)
- HomePod (February 2018 – December 2022)
Filing a Claim
To file a claim, users should visit the official settlement website once it’s live (expected in February 2025). The process will involve:
- Visiting the settlement website.
- Filling out a claim form and providing required documentation (device serial numbers or proof of purchase).
- Choosing a payment method, either direct deposit or a mailed check.
- Submitting the claim by May 15, 2025.
Apple’s Privacy Reforms and Defense
Apple continues to deny any wrongdoing and stresses its commitment to privacy. In response to the lawsuit, the company has implemented several privacy reforms, including:
- Anonymized Data: Siri recordings are anonymized to avoid the collection of personally identifiable information.
- Policy Changes: After the 2019 revelations, Apple paused its grading program and made Siri recordings opt-in by default.
- Confidentiality Agreements: Contractors involved in audio reviews are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
Shane Bauer, an Apple spokesperson, clarified, “Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles or sold to anyone for any purpose.”
Also Read – Apple Faces $95M Settlement Over Siri Activation Claims: What You Need to Know
How to Protect Your Privacy on Siri-Enabled Devices
While the settlement addresses past concerns, users can take steps to safeguard their data going forward:
- Turn Off Siri:
- On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Siri & Search and disable “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’.”
- On Mac: Open System Settings > Siri & Spotlight and toggle off “Ask Siri.”
- Adjust Privacy Settings:
- Review app permissions to limit unnecessary data access.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Keep your device software up to date to benefit from enhanced privacy protections.
Conclusion
The $95 million settlement represents a significant step in addressing privacy concerns related to smart devices, highlighting the need for transparency and ethical AI practices. Affected users should take advantage of the opportunity to file claims while also being proactive about safeguarding their privacy in the future.
FAQs
What is the Siri privacy lawsuit about?
The lawsuit claims that Apple’s Siri recorded private conversations without consent due to unintended activations, leading to a $95 million settlement.
Who is eligible for the Siri lawsuit settlement?
U.S.-based users who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 2014 and December 2022 are eligible, provided they submit proof of ownership.
How much can I receive from the Siri settlement?
Eligible claimants can receive up to $20 for each Siri-enabled device owned during the eligible period.
How do I file a claim for the Siri settlement?
Visit the settlement website, provide documentation like serial numbers or proof of purchase, and submit your claim by the deadline, expected to be May 15, 2025.
What steps can I take to protect my privacy on Apple devices?
Turn off Siri, review app permissions, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your device updated to enhance your privacy.
