Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that its Siri voice assistant violated users’ privacy. The case stems from claims that Siri unintentionally recorded private conversations and shared them with third parties, including advertisers.
The lawsuit, reported by Reuters, details complaints from iPhone users who allege that Siri was activated accidentally and subsequently captured sensitive discussions. Plaintiffs claim that conversations about topics like Air Jordan sneakers or Olive Garden restaurants led to targeted ads for those products. One user even reported receiving ads for surgical treatments after a private conversation with their doctor.
These allegations stand in stark contrast to Apple’s long-standing pledge to safeguard user privacy. Despite agreeing to the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing. A court hearing to review the settlement terms is scheduled for February 14 in Oakland, California.
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Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
If the settlement is approved, Apple customers who owned Siri-enabled iPhones between September 14, 2014, and December 31, 2024, can file claims. Eligible users may receive up to $20 per device, with a cap of five devices per person. The final payment amount could vary depending on how many claims are submitted.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs are also seeking up to $29.6 million from the settlement fund to cover legal fees and expenses.
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Broader Implications
The lawsuit is not an isolated case. A similar complaint has been filed against Google’s Voice Assistant in San Jose, California, by the same legal team. These cases highlight growing concerns about the potential misuse of voice-activated technology and its impact on user privacy.
If approved, the settlement will serve as a reminder of the privacy challenges tech giants face as voice assistants become more ingrained in everyday life.
