In a recent development, Apple has decided to settle a class action lawsuit for $95 million, faced with accusations of unauthorized listening via its virtual assistant, Siri.
Apple Settles Siri Listening Lawsuit for $95 Million
Apple Settles Siri Listening Lawsuit for $95 Million
Apple agrees to a significant $95 million settlement amid allegations that Siri eavesdropped on users without consent.
The tech giant, while not admitting to any wrongdoing, has opted for the settlement to avoid the potential risks of a lengthy trial that may result in a larger payout. The lawsuit claimed Apple recorded users inadvertently activating Siri without using the specific wake phrase "Hey, Siri," leading to unauthorized data sharing with advertisers.
The leading plaintiff, Fumiko Lopez, along with others, alleged they were targeted by ads based on personal conversations, affirming their discomfort with the privacy violations. Apple’s lawyers stated the company has permanently deleted Siri recordings before October 2019, countering accusations of failing to erase user data adequately.
The proposed settlement, pending approval in Northern California, outlines that each eligible claimant, who must be a US resident, could receive up to $20 for every Siri-enabled device they owned between 2014 and 2019. Meanwhile, the legal representatives could secure approximately $30 million from the total settlement fee, including expenses.
As Apple continues to deal with a multitude of class action lawsuits, including a previous $500 million settlement about iPhone slowdowns and other ongoing legal actions, it remains focused on maintaining consumer trust amidst privacy concerns.
This recent case mirrors another class action against Google, highlighting a growing scrutiny on major tech firms regarding user privacy and data handling practices. Public sentiment on corporate responsibility in protecting user privacy may shape future litigation and regulatory measures in the tech industry.
The leading plaintiff, Fumiko Lopez, along with others, alleged they were targeted by ads based on personal conversations, affirming their discomfort with the privacy violations. Apple’s lawyers stated the company has permanently deleted Siri recordings before October 2019, countering accusations of failing to erase user data adequately.
The proposed settlement, pending approval in Northern California, outlines that each eligible claimant, who must be a US resident, could receive up to $20 for every Siri-enabled device they owned between 2014 and 2019. Meanwhile, the legal representatives could secure approximately $30 million from the total settlement fee, including expenses.
As Apple continues to deal with a multitude of class action lawsuits, including a previous $500 million settlement about iPhone slowdowns and other ongoing legal actions, it remains focused on maintaining consumer trust amidst privacy concerns.
This recent case mirrors another class action against Google, highlighting a growing scrutiny on major tech firms regarding user privacy and data handling practices. Public sentiment on corporate responsibility in protecting user privacy may shape future litigation and regulatory measures in the tech industry.
