Apple Faces $95M Settlement in Siri Recording Scandal
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve claims that its Siri virtual assistant was recording users without consent. The allegations suggest that Siri activated unintentionally, capturing conversations and sharing these recordings with advertisers, which were then used for targeted advertising.
The lawsuit was filed by a group of claimants who accused Apple of eavesdropping on conversations without users’ explicit permission. The plaintiffs argued that Siri’s activation did not always require the “Hey Siri” wake phrase, leading to inadvertent recordings of private conversations. These recordings, they alleged, were shared with advertisers who analysed keywords to target specific ads.
The lead plaintiff, Fumiko Lopez, claimed that both she and her daughter experienced targeted advertising after discussing products such as Air Jordans. According to the claimants, this practice violated user privacy and occurred without their knowledge or consent.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing in the case, asserting that it does not record or share private conversations without consent. The company emphasised that all Siri recordings inadvertently collected before October 2019 have been permanently deleted. By agreeing to the settlement, Apple avoids a prolonged legal battle and the risk of a potentially higher payout.
The preliminary settlement proposes compensation for affected US-based Siri users who owned Siri-enabled devices between 2014 and 2019. Eligible claimants could receive up to $20 per device, with lawyers taking approximately 30% of the total settlement—an estimated $30 million—to cover legal fees and expenses. A final decision on the settlement is expected on February 14, 2025, in a Northern California court.
Class action lawsuits allow a small group of plaintiffs to represent a larger population of affected individuals. If successful, compensation is distributed among all claimants. Apple’s decision to settle reflects its desire to avoid a court case, which could have led to more significant financial and reputational damage.
See Also: Osun Bishop Stabbed to Death in Domestic Dispute
In recent years, Apple has faced multiple class actions. In early 2024, the company began payouts for a $500 million settlement over claims that it deliberately slowed down older iPhones. Additionally, it agreed to a $490 million settlement in the UK for allegations related to misleading customers about its products.
Despite these legal challenges, Apple remains financially robust, reporting $94.9 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024. The settlement amount, while significant, represents a small fraction of the company’s earnings.
The Siri lawsuit underscores ongoing concerns about privacy in the digital age and the need for greater transparency and accountability from tech giants.
Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo
Picture Credit | https://www.britannica.com/
