Apple Inc. has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve allegations that its Siri voice assistant recorded users’ private conversations without their consent. The settlement addresses claims that Siri-enabled devices inadvertently captured sensitive information through unintended activations, which were then shared with third-party contractors for analysis.
Background of the Lawsuit
The class-action lawsuit, filed in 2019 under the title Lopez v. Apple Inc., accused Apple of violating user privacy by allowing Siri to record conversations without explicit activation. Plaintiffs alleged that Siri could be triggered accidentally, leading to the recording of confidential discussions. These recordings were reportedly reviewed by Apple contractors to improve Siri’s performance, raising concerns about unauthorized data collection and potential breaches of user confidentiality.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Siri was designed with user privacy in mind and that any data collected was used solely to enhance the service. The company emphasized that Siri data has never been sold or used to build marketing profiles and that it has never been shared with third parties for advertising purposes.
Settlement Details
Under the terms of the settlement, Apple will compensate eligible U.S. users who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod Touches, and Apple TVs.
Users can submit claims for up to five devices, with a potential payout of up to $20 per device, totaling a maximum of $100 per individual. The exact compensation will depend on the number of claims submitted and deductions for legal fees, which could account for up to 30% of the settlement fund.
To qualify, users must attest that they experienced an unintended Siri activation during a private conversation. Claims must be submitted by July 2, 2025, through the official settlement website. A final approval hearing is scheduled for August 1, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in Oakland, California.
Implications for User Privacy
This settlement highlights the growing scrutiny of tech companies’ data collection practices and the importance of user consent. The case underscores the need for transparency in how user data is handled and the necessity of providing users with control over their personal information.
In response to the lawsuit, Apple has made changes to its data handling practices. In 2019, the company suspended its program of having contractors review Siri recordings and introduced new privacy features, including the ability for users to opt out of sharing their Siri interactions and to delete their Siri history.
How to File a Claim
Eligible users can file a claim by visiting the official settlement website. Those who received a notification email or postcard with a Claim ID and Confirmation Code can use these to file a claim. Users who did not receive a notification can still file a claim by providing their name, address, and the number of devices owned during the class period. They may also need to provide the email address associated with their Apple account.
Conclusion
The $95 million settlement serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between technological advancement and the imperative to protect user privacy. As voice-activated assistants like Siri become increasingly integrated into daily life, it is crucial for technology companies to prioritize transparent data practices and empower users with control over their personal information.
