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Apple Settles $95 Million Siri Lawsuit

Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement with users whose private conversations were accidentally recorded by its Siri voice assistant. This settlement, reported by Bloomberg, may provide payouts of up to $20 per device for eligible US-based Apple product owners. However, the final amount depends on the number of claims filed.

Who Qualifies for the Settlement?

The settlement applies to users who meet specific criteria:

  1. Owned or purchased a Siri-enabled device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.
  2. Can attest under oath that Siri was accidentally activated during private conversations.

Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, MacBooks, iMacs, HomePods, iPod touches, and Apple TVs. While the maximum payout is $20 per device, the actual amount could be lower depending on the number of claims.

Background of the Lawsuit

This lawsuit stems from a 2019 report by The Guardian, which revealed that Apple contractors overheard private and sensitive conversations while working on Siri’s quality control. Although Siri is designed to activate with a wake word, accidental triggers were reportedly common.

A whistleblower disclosed that everyday sounds, like a zipper, could unintentionally wake Siri. These recordings sometimes included medical discussions, personal conversations, and even intimate moments. Apple later apologized, stopped retaining audio recordings, and changed its data handling practices.

Privacy Concerns Extend Beyond Apple

Apple is not the only tech giant under scrutiny for privacy issues. Google and Amazon have also faced allegations of contractors listening to private conversations captured by their virtual assistants. Notably, Google is currently facing a similar lawsuit. These cases highlight ongoing concerns about the privacy risks associated with voice assistants.

Apple’s Response and Next Steps

Following the backlash, Apple implemented several changes to improve user privacy:

  • Stopped retaining Siri recordings for quality control.
  • Offered users the option to opt out of sharing audio recordings for analysis.
  • Issued a formal apology and committed to better transparency in data handling.

This settlement marks a significant step in addressing user concerns, though it also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in protecting consumer privacy.

The $95 million Siri lawsuit settlement reflects the growing accountability tech companies face regarding user privacy. While Apple has taken steps to rebuild trust, this case serves as a reminder for consumers to stay informed about how their data is used.

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