Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement in the widely discussed Siri eavesdropping case. The lawsuit alleged that the voice assistant unintentionally activated, recording private conversations and sharing data with advertisers. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, the settlement provides compensation to affected users.
Background of the Siri Eavesdropping Case
The Siri eavesdropping case dates back to 2019 when reports surfaced that Apple contractors were analysing Siri recordings. Allegations claimed these recordings included sensitive conversations, such as medical discussions and private interactions, raising concerns about user privacy. Plaintiffs in the case argued that Siri activated unintentionally, capturing private data without users’ consent.
Apple maintains that Siri data was never used to target advertisements and that recordings were solely intended to improve Siri’s functionality. However, the Siri eavesdropping case brought significant attention to the privacy practices of voice assistants.
Who Qualifies for Compensation?
If you owned an Apple device with Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and are based in the U.S., you may be eligible for compensation in the Siri eavesdropping case. To qualify, users must attest that Siri unintentionally recorded private conversations.
The settlement allows affected users to claim $20 per device, up to a maximum of five devices. Apple will set up a website for claims submission within 45 days of court approval, with a deadline of May 15, 2025.
Apple’s Stance on the Siri Eavesdropping Case
Throughout the Siri eavesdropping case, Apple has denied any wrongdoing. The company stated:
“Siri has been engineered to protect user privacy from the beginning. Siri data has never been used to build marketing profiles and has never been sold to anyone for any purpose.”
Apple emphasized that changes made in 2019 addressed privacy concerns raised in the Siri eavesdropping case. These changes include discontinuing audio retention, anonymizing data, and making data collection opt-in only.
Distribution of the Settlement
The $95 million settlement from the Siri eavesdropping case will be used to compensate affected users and cover legal fees, which could take up to 30% of the total amount. Depending on the number of claims filed, users may receive more than the proposed $20 per device.
While the settlement is significant, it represents a fraction of Apple’s profits, which totaled $93.74 billion in the last fiscal year.
Protecting Your Privacy with Siric
For those concerned about potential privacy risks, Apple provides several options to manage Siri’s functionality:
- On iOS devices: Go to Settings > Siri > Talk to Siri and disable the feature.
- On Mac devices: Navigate to System Settings > Siri & Spotlight and toggle off “Ask Siri.”
These settings can help prevent accidental activations and minimize privacy concerns linked to the Siri eavesdropping case.
Conclusion
The Siri eavesdropping case underscores the growing scrutiny on tech companies regarding user privacy. Although Apple denies the allegations, the settlement demonstrates the importance of accountability and transparency in handling user data. Whether you continue using Siri or decide to disable it, staying informed about privacy practices is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
The Siri eavesdropping case serves as a critical reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in technology. While Apple denies the allegations and emphasizes its commitment to user privacy, the $95 million settlement highlights the importance of addressing concerns when they arise. As voice assistants like Siri become integral to daily life, users must remain vigilant about privacy settings and data collection practices. By taking proactive steps, such as adjusting Siri settings and staying informed about tech company policies, individuals can better protect their private information. The case also underscores the broader need for ethical practices in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and digital technology.
