Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit involving allegations of Siri eavesdropping. The settlement, filed on December 13, 2024, in Oakland, California, awaits approval by a U.S. district judge, according to Reuters. If approved, it could mean compensation for affected Apple users.
Background of the Siri Eavesdropping Allegations
The lawsuit stems from claims that Apple’s Siri voice assistant recorded private conversations without user consent. These recordings allegedly included sensitive information such as discussions about:
- Medical appointments
- Sexual encounters
- Drug-related conversations
The controversy began in 2019, when The Guardian revealed that Apple contractors were listening to Siri recordings of private conversations. Although Apple had disclosed that Siri recordings might be analyzed to improve performance, the company did not make it clear that human contractors were involved in reviewing these recordings.
Details of the Lawsuit
The plaintiffs in the case alleged that Apple infringed on their privacy by:
- Capturing conversations when Siri was accidentally activated.
- Sharing this data with advertisers without consent.
One plaintiff claimed that after mentioning Air Jordan shoes, ads for the product appeared on his iPhone. Another reported receiving medical advertisements after discussing a specific surgical treatment with his doctor.
Apple’s Response and Changes
Apple has since made significant changes to its Siri practices. The company stopped using human reviewers to analyze Siri recordings without explicit consent. Apple now offers users the option to opt-in for Siri recordings to be used for improvement purposes.
Who Is Eligible for the Payout?
If you used an Apple device with Siri activated between 2019 and 2024, you might be eligible for compensation. The eligibility criteria will be outlined in the final settlement agreement, so users are encouraged to monitor updates.
How to Claim Your Payout
Once the settlement is approved, eligible users will need to:
- Check their eligibility: Details will be provided on a designated website or through notifications from Apple.
- File a claim: Submit necessary documentation as proof of using Siri during the specified period.
- Await approval: Claims will be reviewed, and approved users will receive their share of the settlement.
Final Thoughts
The Siri eavesdropping case highlights the growing importance of privacy and transparency in the tech industry. While Apple’s settlement marks a step toward accountability, it also serves as a reminder for companies to prioritize user consent and data protection. If you believe you are eligible, stay tuned for updates on how to claim your share of the payout.
