Apple will pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of privacy violations involving its Siri voice assistant. The lawsuit claimed that Siri recorded users’ private conversations without consent, sparking concerns about data misuse and targeted advertising.
The settlement applies to users in the U.S. who used Siri-enabled devices between 2014 and 2024. Eligible users can file claims to receive compensation of up to $20 per device, capped at five devices per person. According to SFGate, payments are expected to be issued within 60 days after claim verification.
The lawsuit highlighted instances where Siri was unintentionally triggered by background noises or similar-sounding words. In some cases, recordings of private discussions were allegedly shared with third-party advertisers. Although Apple denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to settle the case to avoid extended legal battles, as noted by Reuters.
Beyond monetary compensation, the settlement requires Apple to delete unauthorized Siri recordings made before October 2019 and provide users with clearer information on how Siri data is collected and used. This includes updates to the “Improve Siri” settings, designed to ensure users are aware of potential data storage implications.
This lawsuit reflects growing concerns about privacy in smart technologies. While Apple has maintained its reputation as a privacy-focused company, the settlement serves as a reminder of the challenges tech firms face in protecting user data while innovating.
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