Apple is poised to pay millions of dollars to settle a lawsuit that questions whether the company’s voice assistant Siri eavesdropped on private moments.
Key Facts:
– Proposed $95 million settlement awaits a judge’s approval.
– The lawsuit was filed in 2019, alleging that Siri recorded unintended conversations.
– Recordings allegedly went to third parties without user consent.
– Tens of millions of consumers could qualify as class members.
– Potential payments are capped at $20 per device.
The Rest of The Story:
Beginning in 2019, a group of Apple users took legal action claiming Siri sometimes switched on without permission.
They alleged that Apple’s voice assistant captured conversations and relayed those recordings to outside companies, raising major privacy worries.
Court documents say some users learned they had been monitored when they received ads related to private, face-to-face conversations.
While Apple denies any illegal activity, it decided to resolve the dispute with a proposed $95 million payout.
If the court approves, people who owned Apple devices with Siri from September 2014 to December 2024 can file a claim for up to five devices.
The maximum payout per device is $20, but the actual amount will depend on how many valid claims are submitted.
The lawsuit cites examples from contractors who recounted hearing private moments like medical discussions.
Critics say such instances contradict Apple’s public pledge to protect user privacy.
Despite Apple’s denial of wrongdoing, the settlement would also require the company to post information about its “Improve Siri” program online.
That program is Apple’s way to explain how Siri processes user information and how users can opt out of certain features.
If the judge signs off, Apple users who believe their Siri-enabled gadgets turned on during confidential conversations will get instructions on how to collect any compensation.
Official notifications, either by mail or email, are expected for those recognized as possible claimants.
Millions of Apple device owners may be eligible for a payout in a proposed $95 million Siri privacy settlement https://t.co/asLRsPj1Cz
— Insider Tech (@TechInsider) January 2, 2025
The Bottom Line:
The Siri settlement is another chapter in the ongoing debate over how companies handle personal data.
If approved, it could bring modest financial compensation to affected Apple users and prompt the company to be more transparent about its voice assistant’s design.
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Ultimately, the settlement highlights the importance of consumer privacy in the tech sector.