Apple is in the headlines again, but this time it’s not for a new iPhone or groundbreaking product. The tech giant has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over allegations that its voice assistant, Siri, was secretly recording conversations without users’ consent.
The case, which began in 2019, claimed that Siri accidentally activated and recorded personal conversations, including sensitive discussions, without the user saying the familiar “Hey Siri” command. These recordings were allegedly shared with third parties, like advertisers, leading to targeted ads that seemed suspiciously linked to private conversations.
What Led to the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit was sparked after several users noticed a disturbing pattern: conversations they believed to be private were allegedly triggering Siri to record without their knowledge. For example, one plaintiff said they talked about a specific medication with their doctor, only to later see online ads for that very product.
The heart of the lawsuit focused on claims that Apple mishandled these accidental recordings and shared them with external companies, potentially violating privacy laws.
How Will the $95M Settlement Work?
The settlement, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, still needs final approval from Judge Jeffrey White. If approved, U.S. residents who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, could be eligible for compensation.
Eligible users can submit claims for up to five devices, and while the maximum payout per device could be around $20, the actual amount will depend on how many claims are filed.
Apple’s Response
Apple has maintained that it did nothing wrong and agreed to the settlement primarily to avoid further legal battles. A company spokesperson said, “Siri was designed with privacy in mind, and user data has never been sold or used to build marketing profiles.”
In fact, the company made several changes back in 2019 when the allegations first emerged. They paused the practice of human “grading” of Siri recordings, which involved employees listening to audio clips to improve the assistant’s accuracy. Now, Siri recordings are no longer saved by default, and users have to opt in if they want to help improve the service.
What Can Users Do to Protect Their Privacy?
This case highlights a growing concern over how smart devices interact with our daily lives. For users worried about accidental recordings, there are steps you can take:
- Disable Siri when not in use.
- Adjust your device’s settings to prevent unintended activations.
- Regularly review privacy options and permissions on your device.
Apple’s $95 million payout may seem like a large amount, but for many privacy advocates, it’s a wake-up call about how technology companies handle personal data. As tech continues to evolve, this settlement serves as a reminder that users need to stay informed and cautious.
