Apple Inc. (AAPL, Financial) has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, violated user privacy. The lawsuit claimed that Siri inadvertently activated and recorded private conversations, which were then sent to Apple without user consent. Some plaintiffs reported receiving targeted ads after mentioning specific restaurants or brands in their conversations.
The settlement still requires final court approval. Despite agreeing to the settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing and emphasizes its commitment to user privacy. Following a 2019 scandal involving contractors listening to Siri recordings, Apple has implemented measures to enhance privacy protection.
The settlement covers U.S. users of Siri from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024. Affected users can claim compensation for up to five devices, with a maximum of $20 per device. Additionally, Apple must permanently delete personal audio records collected before October 2019 within six months.
Initially, Apple maintained that Siri's activation relied on strict technical criteria, only responding to specific wake-up words. However, as technical experts and user evidence emerged, public pressure mounted. To avoid further reputational damage and potentially higher legal costs, Apple opted for a substantial settlement.
This case is not unique in the smart voice assistant industry. Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant have also faced scrutiny over data privacy concerns. Apple's settlement serves as a reminder to other tech companies to prioritize data privacy alongside technological innovation.
