In a recent development, Apple has consented to a $95 million settlement regarding allegations that its virtual assistant, Siri, may have recorded and shared voice data without user consent. The lawsuit, which claims that some devices unintentionally activated and eavesdropped on users, has led to a class action where claimants could receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device owned between 2014 and 2019.
Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement Over Siri Listening Allegations
Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement Over Siri Listening Allegations
The tech giant faces accusations of eavesdropping and improperly sharing user recordings, leading to a significant payout.
Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing, maintaining that it did not improperly record or disclose conversations linked to Siri activations. The settlement allows Apple to avoid a potentially more costly court battle while addressing concerns over user privacy tied to its technology.
The lawsuit stems from accusations that Siri recorded conversations during unintended activations and that these recordings were accessible to advertisers for targeted ad campaigns. Apple’s lawyers have stated that they will ensure all individual audio recordings collected before October 2019 have been permanently deleted.
As per court documents, claimants, who must reside in the U.S., are under a system where a small group represents a larger population in securing damages from the tech company. A decision is expected by February 14 in Oakland, California, regarding the settlement. Additionally, in recent years, Apple has faced multiple class action lawsuits, including accusations of iPhone slowing and unfair practices related to its iCloud service.
By opting for a settlement in this lawsuit, Apple seeks to quell any ongoing legal disputes while reaffirming its commitment to customer privacy, as revenues continue to soar; the company reported nearly $95 billion in income for the last quarter of 2024.
The lawsuit stems from accusations that Siri recorded conversations during unintended activations and that these recordings were accessible to advertisers for targeted ad campaigns. Apple’s lawyers have stated that they will ensure all individual audio recordings collected before October 2019 have been permanently deleted.
As per court documents, claimants, who must reside in the U.S., are under a system where a small group represents a larger population in securing damages from the tech company. A decision is expected by February 14 in Oakland, California, regarding the settlement. Additionally, in recent years, Apple has faced multiple class action lawsuits, including accusations of iPhone slowing and unfair practices related to its iCloud service.
By opting for a settlement in this lawsuit, Apple seeks to quell any ongoing legal disputes while reaffirming its commitment to customer privacy, as revenues continue to soar; the company reported nearly $95 billion in income for the last quarter of 2024.
