Apple reached a tentative $95 million settlement in a significant development, following accusations that Siri unlawfully activated and shared users' private discussions. This event marks a notable chapter in privacy litigation involving major technology companies.
Filed in 2019, the lawsuit charged that Siri recorded conversations without permission and disclosed them to external parties, thereby questioning Apple's commitment to privacy, the Hill reported.
Users initiated the legal actions after reporting that Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, activated on devices without the explicit consent of their owners. According to a detailed report from The Guardian, these activations sometimes led to the recording of highly sensitive conversations, such as those occurring during doctor’s appointments and private business transactions.
Testimonies revealed instances where users noticed targeted advertisements related to private discussions Siri overheard. Two plaintiffs reported that after conversations near their Apple devices, ads for Air Jordan shoes and Olive Garden began appearing, suggesting a direct link to the unauthorized use of their data.
In response, Apple denied all allegations of wrongdoing but chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation. However, a U.S. district judge must approve the proposed settlement. The plaintiffs submitted the settlement for preliminary approval this past Tuesday in a federal court in Oakland, California.
The settlement covers a broad class of individuals, specifically those who owned an Apple device equipped with Siri from September 17, 2014, through December 31, 2024. Eligible individuals who believe Siri inadvertently captured their private conversations can participate in the settlement.
Impacted users can claim reimbursement for up to five devices, with a potential reimbursement of $20 per device, depending on the total number of claims filed. The settlement notifications will be sent via postcards or emails, and others can apply through an online platform.
As court proceedings continue, a website will be established to detail the settlement terms. The court will conduct a significant review of the settlement on February 14, where it will scrutinize the terms of the agreement further.
Estimates suggest that between 3% and 5% of eligible consumers will file claims. However, the actual number could vary as the settlement gains more publicity and individuals assess their eligibility. Lawyers involved in the case have yet to respond to press inquiries about their comments, as Nexstar recently reported.
If approved, this settlement could not only compensate affected users but also potentially set a precedent for how tech giants like Apple handle privacy practices in the future. With strong public interest in digital privacy and data protection, consumers and legal experts continue to give this case significant attention.
As the situation develops, further details will emerge, providing greater clarity on how Apple plans to address privacy concerns and what measures it will take to prevent similar incidents. The upcoming court hearing will crucially influence the finality of the settlement and its impact on the parties involved.
