Apple agrees to pay $95 million to settle lawsuit over recordings involving Siri
In a significant legal development, Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a mass lawsuit related to allegations of unauthorized recordings by its virtual assistant, Siri. The settlement, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), underscores ongoing concerns about data privacy and the way major tech companies handle user information.
Allegations against Siri
The lawsuit, filed five years ago in Oakland, California, accused Apple of using Siri to listen in on conversations of iPhone and other Apple device users. The allegations claimed that Siri had been secretly activated to record conversations without user consent for more than a decade. The recordings allegedly occurred even when users did not activate the assistant by saying “Hey Siri.”
In addition, the plaintiffs claimed that some of these unauthorized recordings were shared with advertisers, allowing them to target users with products and services based on their private conversations. These practices were alleged to violate privacy laws, including the federal Wiretap Act, as well as contradict Apple’s longstanding public commitment to user privacy.
Apple’s response
Apple has denied any wrongdoing in the case, but agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation. In a statement, Apple emphasized its dedication to privacy and highlighted the measures it has implemented to address the concerns raised in the lawsuit. These measures include:
- Allowing users to control whether Siri interactions are stored or shared.
- Ensuring that human review of Siri recordings is only done with explicit user consent.
- Increasing transparency around how Siri and other features handle user data.
Details of the settlement
The proposed settlement was filed Tuesday with the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California. The settlement was filed in District Court and is awaiting approval from Judge Jeffrey White. A hearing to review the terms is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2025, in Oakland.
Under the settlement, millions of owners of iPhones and Siri-enabled devices who used these devices between Sept. 17, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2023, may be eligible to file a claim. Each claimant could receive up to $20 per device, limited to a maximum of five devices per person. However, the final payout could vary depending on the number of claims submitted. Legal documents estimate that only 3% to 5% of eligible users are likely to file a claim.
Legal and financial implications
The settlement amount is a small fraction of the $705 billion in profits Apple has earned since September 2014. It’s also less than the potential damages of about $1.5 billion that lawyers estimated Apple could have faced had the case gone to trial and a verdict was issued against the company for violating wiretapping and privacy laws.
Lawyers representing the plaintiffs have indicated they may seek up to $29.6 million from the settlement fund to cover legal fees and related expenses, further reducing the amount available to eligible claimants.
Broader implications for privacy in tech
The allegations of Siri spying contradict Apple’s branding as a champion of privacy. CEO Tim Cook has often described user privacy as a “fundamental human right” and highlighted Apple’s privacy-focused features, such as App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and on-device Siri processing. Despite these initiatives, the case underscores the challenges tech companies face in maintaining consumer trust while leveraging AI-powered technologies.
The lawsuit also sends a powerful message to other companies developing virtual assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, about the need for strict privacy protections and transparent practices.
Conclusion
The $95 million settlement allows Apple to avoid admitting liability while resolving a longstanding legal dispute. For affected users, it offers a chance to seek modest compensation for alleged privacy violations. As the tech industry continues to evolve, the case serves as a reminder of the important balance between technological innovation and consumer privacy. Moving forward, companies must prioritize transparency and accountability to maintain user trust in an increasingly data-driven world.
FAQs about the Apple Siri-related lawsuit settlement:
What was the lawsuit about?
- The lawsuit alleged that Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, recorded users’ private conversations without their knowledge or consent.
- The lawsuit claimed that Siri was activated by sounds like a zipper or background noise, leading to the recording of sensitive conversations.
- These recordings were then allegedly shared with advertisers to personalize ads.
How much did Apple agree to pay to settle the lawsuit?
- Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle the lawsuit.
Who is eligible to receive compensation from the settlement?
- Consumers who owned iPhones and other Apple devices equipped with Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, are eligible to file claims.
How much compensation can each eligible consumer receive?
- Each consumer could receive up to $20 per Siri-equipped device, but the actual amount may vary depending on the number of claims filed.
When will the settlement be finalized?
- The settlement still needs to be approved by a U.S. District Judge. A court hearing is scheduled for February 14, 2025, to review the terms.
Did Apple admit any wrongdoing in the settlement?
- No, Apple did not admit any wrongdoing in agreeing to settle the lawsuit.
What steps has Apple taken to address privacy concerns related to Siri?
- Apple has discontinued retaining audio recordings from Siri.
- Apple has revised its policies to strengthen user privacy.
Is Apple the only company facing scrutiny over voice assistant privacy?
- No, similar allegations have been made against Google and Amazon, whose voice assistants also record and store conversations.
