Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit, known as the Siri privacy lawsuit. The lawsuit claims Siri recorded users’ conversations without their consent. The court filed the preliminary settlement in December 2024 in Oakland, California. A U.S. district judge still needs to approve the settlement.
The plaintiffs allege that Apple failed to notify users about frequent recordings when Siri was accidentally activated. Two plaintiffs stated that discussing products near their iPhones led to targeted ads. Another plaintiff claimed he received medical ads after discussing surgery with his doctor.
If the judge approves the settlement, users with Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, may claim compensation. Claimants must be U.S. residents. To qualify, users must declare under oath that they experienced unauthorized Siri activations recording private conversations.
Apple has proposed a decision date of February 14, 2025. A website will set up within 45 days to confirm eligibility. Users will have until May 15, 2025, to submit claims. The settlement may provide up to $20 per device, and owners with multiple devices may claim up to $100.
Apple settles Siri lawsuit
The total payout will depend on the number of approved claims. A portion of the $95 million will cover legal fees. Apple has responded to the settlement, stating that Siri has always been designed to protect user privacy. The company emphasized that it never used Siri data to create marketing profiles or sell it for any purpose.
Apple also pointed out its actions since 2019. It addressed concerns about third-party grading of Siri recordings. Furthermore, Apple stopped retaining audio recordings and only uses computer-generated transcripts when users opt-in. The company prioritizes user privacy in Siri’s data processing.
Users worried about privacy can disable Siri through device settings. On iOS devices, they can go to Settings > Siri > Talk to Siri > Off. They can also turn off “Press Home for Siri” or “Press Side Button for Siri.” On a Mac, users can adjust Siri settings via the Apple menu.
This lawsuit brings attention to ongoing privacy concerns with voice assistants. It mirrors a similar case against Google, highlighting similar issues. The law firm handling Apple’s case is also pursuing action against Google for comparable privacy concerns.
Privacy Concerns Surrounding Voice Assistants
The settlement sheds light on the growing issue of privacy with virtual assistants. Many people unknowingly share personal information when using voice-activated devices. Even with advancements in privacy protection, concerns still remain. For instance, Siri, despite Apple’s assurances, has triggered debates on data collection practices. Users must now be extra cautious, especially when discussing sensitive topics near their devices. This case raises an important question: How can companies strike a balance between convenience and privacy? As technology evolves, so too must the policies protecting users.
