Apple has settled a $95 million lawsuit in the U.S. over allegations that its voice assistant, Siri, recorded users without their consent and shared data with advertisers. While Apple denies the claims, this settlement sheds light on growing concerns over privacy violations by tech giants.
The allegations
The lawsuit, filed as a class action, accused Apple of violating user privacy between 2014 and 2019. According to plaintiffs, Siri recorded conversations even when not explicitly activated by the “Hey Siri” command. Users reported receiving targeted advertisements after discussing topics near their Siri-enabled devices.
Key claims include:
- Unauthorized Recordings: Plaintiffs allege Siri activated unintentionally and recorded private conversations.
- Data Sharing: These recordings were allegedly shared with advertisers for targeted marketing, a claim Apple strongly denies.
- Examples: A lead plaintiff claimed she received ads for Air Jordans after discussing the product with her daughter, while another plaintiff saw ads for medical treatments after a private conversation with a doctor.
Apple’s response
Apple has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and emphasized its commitment to user privacy. The company maintains that Siri data is never used for marketing or shared with third parties. It also confirmed the deletion of audio recordings collected before 2019. Apple states the settlement aims to avoid prolonged litigation rather than admit liability.
An Apple spokesperson noted, “Siri data has never been sold, and it has never been used to build marketing profiles. Privacy has always been a core focus of our technology.”
The settlement
- Compensation: U.S. users with Siri-enabled devices between 2014 and 2019 may receive up to $20 per device. The total settlement amount is $95 million, with around 30% allocated to legal fees.
- Court Approval: The settlement still requires approval by a Northern California court, with a decision expected in February 2025.
- Scope: This settlement is part of broader scrutiny of Apple’s practices but represents a relatively small sum compared to the company’s $94.9 billion revenue in Q3 2024.
Global context
Apple is no stranger to legal battles over privacy and consumer rights:
- iPhone Slowdown Lawsuit: In 2024, Apple paid $500 million to settle claims it deliberately slowed older iPhones.
- UK Class Actions: The company agreed to a $490 million settlement with Norfolk County Council and faces additional claims regarding its iCloud services.
-
Other Cases: Similar lawsuits, including one targeting Google over its voice assistant, are ongoing in courts worldwide.
What this means for users
While Apple emphasizes privacy as a cornerstone of its design philosophy, cases like this highlight the challenges of balancing technological convenience with user trust. For users, this serves as a reminder to review privacy settings on devices and stay informed about data collection practices.
Spy-Fy’s perspective
At Spy-Fy, we advocate for user privacy and provide tools to protect your digital life. This case reinforces the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard your personal data. From webcam covers to privacy iPhone cases, our products are designed to put privacy back in your hands.
For more insights into privacy-related news and solutions, explore our website!
