Apple Settles Siri Class Action Lawsuit for $95 Million

In a surprising turn of events, Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit over allegations that its voice assistant, Siri, was recording private conversations without users' consent. The lawsuit, filed back in 2019, claimed that Siri activated and recorded conversations even when users hadn't said the trigger phrase "Hey Siri".

The plaintiffs in the case, Lopez v. Apple Inc., alleged that Apple's devices recorded private conversations and shared these recordings with third-party contractors. Some users reported that mentioning specific brands like Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants led to targeted ads for those products. Others claimed that private discussions with doctors were also recorded and used for advertising purposes.

While Apple has denied any wrongdoing, the company decided to settle the lawsuit to avoid a prolonged legal battle. In a statement, Apple emphasized that it has always prioritized user privacy and that the settlement does not imply any admission of guilt.

The proposed settlement, which is awaiting approval from a federal judge in Oakland, California, covers users who owned Siri-enabled devices from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024. Class members could receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, such as iPhones and Apple Watches. The total payout is a small fraction of Apple's profits, but it's a significant acknowledgment of the privacy concerns raised by users.

This settlement comes at a time when tech companies are under increasing scrutiny for their data privacy practices. Apple, known for its strong stance on privacy, has faced criticism for allegedly not living up to its promises. The case highlights the challenges tech companies face in balancing innovation with user privacy.

If the settlement is approved, affected users will have the opportunity to file claims and receive compensation. The case also serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about their privacy settings and the permissions they grant to voice assistants.

In the end, this lawsuit and settlement underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in the tech industry. As we continue to integrate smart devices into our daily lives, it's crucial to stay informed and proactive about our digital privacy.