Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle allegations from a class-action lawsuit claiming it violated users' privacy through its voice-activated Siri assistant. This development marks the closure of over five years of legal battles surrounding the tech giant's practices concerning user data.
The settlement, first reported by Reuters, is targeted at U.S.-based individuals who are current or former owners or purchasers of Siri-enabled devices. Those affected had their confidential voice communications captured inadvertently by Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Eligible individuals can claim compensation for up to five devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch, or Apple TV. Class members who submit valid claims can receive $20 per device as compensation.
The lawsuit's origins trace back to revelations published by The Guardian in 2019, when whistleblowers reported Apple contractors frequently listened to private conversations triggered by Siri, even when the wake phrase, “Hey Siri,” was not used. This included sensitive discussions covering medical, sexual, and business matters, leading plaintiffs to assert their privacy was compromised.
According to the amended complaint filed in September 2021, Apple was alleged to have not only recorded these private conversations but also shared the recordings with third-party advertisers improperly.
"Tens of millions of class members will receive as much as $20 for each Siri-enabled device they own," the agreement outlines, as Apple looks to mitigate the consequences of its previous practices. Yet, the company continues to deny any wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement.
Apple's response to the allegations highlighted its commitment to user privacy, but the complaint argues otherwise. The plaintiffs mentioned how the company's marketing often portrays Siri as respectful of privacy, citing Apple's boastful claim: "What happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone." Yet, behind the scenes, users believe Siri's actions suggest otherwise.
During initial hearings, the plaintiffs backed their claims by stating their experiences with targeted advertising after unintentional Siri activation. One plaintiff reportedly received ads for Air Jordans and Olive Garden after mentioning them to Siri, illustrating the lawsuit's core argument about privacy violations stemming from these unintended activations.
Since these allegations surfaced, Apple has initiated changes to its privacy practices, including the suspension of human listening to Siri interactions and the introduction of new settings allowing users to disable any data collection related to Siri.
"If an individual were to ask Siri ‘Hey Siri, are you always listening?’ Siri is programmed to respond: ‘I only listen when you’re talking to me,’” highlighted by the plaintiffs, emphasizing the contradiction between marketing and practice.
Under the terms of the settlement, users who owned Siri-enabled devices during the specified period are eligible to file claims, with the total value drawn from the $95 million settlement. Apple has also committed to permanently deleting any audio recordings related to the case made before October 2019.
Despite needing approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, the settlement aims to resolve the disputes amicably. Experts suggest consumer claim rates could be low, with only 3% to 5% of those eligible expected to file, indicating vast potential unclaimed payments.
Apple's position on user privacy and its practices has come under scrutiny as similar lawsuits emerge against competitors like Google, who are also facing allegations related to their voice assistant technology.
With changes set to establish new standards, how companies manage consumer data and privacy concerns will be pivotal moving forward. This settlement could set precedent not only for Apple but the tech industry at large, compelling firms to reconsider their approach to user interactions.