Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, unlawfully recorded users’ private conversations without consent. The lawsuit claimed that Siri was inadvertently activated, leading to the recording of confidential communications, some of which were shared with third parties, including advertisers.
Background of the Lawsuit
The legal battle began in 2019 after reports surfaced that Siri was being triggered without the user’s knowledge, capturing private conversations. These recordings were allegedly reviewed by Apple contractors for quality control purposes, raising significant privacy concerns among users. The lawsuit accused Apple of violating privacy laws by failing to obtain user consent before recording and sharing these conversations.
Details of the Settlement
The proposed settlement, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, stipulates that Apple will establish a $95 million fund to compensate affected users. Eligible individuals include current or former owners of Siri-enabled devices in the United States who used the devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Compensation is expected to be up to $20 per device, though the exact amount may vary depending on the number of claims filed.
Apple’s Response
While agreeing to the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing. The company maintains that it is committed to user privacy and has implemented measures to prevent unauthorized recordings. In response to the initial allegations, Apple had previously suspended its practice of using human contractors to review Siri recordings and introduced an option for users to opt out of sharing their audio recordings.
Implications for Users
This settlement underscores the importance of user privacy in the digital age, particularly concerning voice-activated assistants like Siri. Users are advised to review their device settings to ensure that voice assistants are configured according to their privacy preferences. Apple has provided guidelines on how users can manage Siri settings, including how to disable the feature or prevent it from activating unintentionally.
FAQs
What was the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleged that Apple’s Siri voice assistant was inadvertently activated, leading to the recording of users’ private conversations without their consent. Some of these recordings were reportedly shared with third parties, raising privacy concerns.
Who is eligible for compensation?
Eligible individuals include current or former owners of Siri-enabled devices in the United States who used the devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Compensation is expected to be up to $20 per device, though the exact amount may vary depending on the number of claims filed.
How can I file a claim?
Details on how to file a claim will be provided once the settlement receives final approval from the court. Users should monitor official communications from Apple or the settlement administrator for instructions.
Has Apple admitted to any wrongdoing?
No, Apple has denied any wrongdoing in this case. The company agreed to the settlement to resolve the lawsuit and avoid prolonged litigation.
What steps has Apple taken to protect user privacy?
In response to the allegations, Apple suspended its practice of using human contractors to review Siri recordings and introduced an option for users to opt out of sharing their audio recordings. The company emphasizes its commitment to user privacy and has implemented measures to prevent unauthorized recordings.