Apple Settles $95 Million Lawsuit Over Siri Eavesdropping Claims
In a significant legal development, Apple Inc. has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant, Siri, eavesdropped on users without their consent. This proposed settlement, filed in a federal court in Oakland, California, addresses claims that Siri recorded conversations even when not activated by the wake phrase, “Hey, Siri,” and shared these recordings with advertisers.
The lawsuit, which has been ongoing for five years, accuses Apple of using data from Siri-enabled devices, including iPhones, to capture private conversations over a decade. This practice reportedly contradicts Apple CEO Tim Cook’s strong advocacy for privacy rights, branding them as a “fundamental human right.” Plaintiffs argue that the recordings were used to create targeted advertisements, undermining the tech giant’s reputation as a leader in user privacy.
Although Apple has denied any wrongdoing, the settlement must receive approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, with a hearing scheduled for February 14, 2025. If approved, consumers who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, may claim up to $20 per device, with a cap of five devices per person. However, participation is expected to be low, with only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers likely to file claims.
While the settlement amount is a small fraction compared to Apple’s massive $705 billion in profits since 2014, it significantly falls short of the $1.5 billion sought by plaintiffs for alleged privacy violations. Legal fees for the plaintiffs could reach up to $29.6 million from the settlement fund. This case highlights ongoing concerns about privacy and the implications of technology in daily life.