Apple Settles Siri Privacy Lawsuit for US$95 Million
- tech360.tv
- Jan 3, 2025
- 1 min read
Tech giant Apple has agreed to pay US$95 million in cash to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that its voice-activated Siri assistant violated users' privacy. The preliminary settlement, filed in the Oakland, California federal court, is pending approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White.
Mobile device owners claimed that Apple recorded their private conversations unintentionally after activating Siri, sharing these conversations with third parties like advertisers. Voice assistants like Siri typically respond to specific "hot words" such as "Hey, Siri."
During the class period from Sept. 17, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2024, users reported triggering ads related to their private conversations. For instance, mentions of Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants led to targeted ads. Another user received ads for a specific surgical treatment after discussing it privately with their doctor.
Class members, estimated to be in the tens of millions, could receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, including iPhones and Apple Watches. Apple, while settling, denied any wrongdoing in the case.
The settlement amount of $95 million, equivalent to about nine hours of Apple's profit, is a significant resolution for the Cupertino-based company. Apple and its legal representatives have not yet commented on the settlement.
In a similar lawsuit, users of Google's Voice Assistant are awaiting a decision in the San Jose, California federal court, represented by the same law firms as in the Apple case.
Apple agrees to pay US$95 million to settle Siri privacy lawsuit.
Users claimed Siri recorded private conversations and shared them with third parties.
Class members may receive up to US$20 per Siri-enabled device.
Source: REUTERS
