Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, inadvertently recorded users’ private conversations without consent. This settlement addresses concerns about unintended activations of Siri on devices such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks, leading to unauthorized recordings of confidential discussions.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, initiated in August 2019, claimed that Siri was activated without the user’s knowledge, resulting in the recording of private conversations. These recordings were allegedly shared with third parties, including advertisers, without user consent. Plaintiffs reported instances where discussions about specific products led to targeted advertisements, suggesting that their conversations had been monitored. Apple has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Siri recordings were used solely to improve the service and were not linked to personally identifiable information.
Eligibility for Compensation
Individuals who owned or purchased Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, are eligible to file claims. To qualify, claimants must attest under oath that they experienced at least one unintended Siri activation during a private or confidential conversation. Eligible devices include:
– iPhones
– iPads
– Apple Watches
– MacBooks
– HomePods
– Apple TVs
Compensation Details
Eligible claimants can receive up to $20 per affected device, with a maximum of five devices per person, totaling up to $100. The final compensation amount may vary depending on the number of claims submitted and deductions for legal fees and administrative costs. It’s important to note that the actual payout per device could be less than the maximum amount.
How to File a Claim
To participate in the settlement, claimants must submit their claims by July 2, 2025. Claims can be filed through the official settlement website. Even if you did not receive a direct notification via email or postcard, you can still submit a claim if you meet the eligibility criteria. Ensure that your claim is submitted by the deadline to be considered for compensation.
Apple’s Response and Privacy Measures
Following the settlement, Apple has reiterated its commitment to user privacy. The company emphasized that Siri data has never been used for advertising purposes and that user privacy remains a fundamental priority. Apple has also implemented measures to prevent unintended activations and has provided users with clearer information on how to manage their Siri settings to enhance privacy.
Final Approval and Distribution of Funds
A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for August 1, 2025, in California. If the settlement is approved, payments will be distributed to eligible claimants. The timeline for distribution may vary, especially if there are appeals or additional legal proceedings.
Conclusion
This settlement underscores the importance of user privacy in the digital age and highlights the need for companies to ensure that their technologies do not infringe upon user confidentiality. If you believe you are eligible for compensation, it is crucial to submit your claim by the July 2, 2025, deadline to be considered for a portion of the settlement.
