Apple settles for $95 million amidst privacy concerns surrounding Siri’s data collection.
At a Glance
- Apple’s $95 million settlement aims to resolve a Siri privacy lawsuit.
- Claims involved unauthorized recordings by Siri, shared with third parties.
- The lawsuit covers privacy violations from 2014 to 2024.
- An innovative Siri update is planned for next year.
Settlement Reached Over Siri Privacy Concerns
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit accusing the tech giant of privacy infringements through its voice assistant, Siri. The allegations include unauthorized recordings of private conversations and sharing data with third parties without users’ consent. This settlement, awaiting approval from US District Judge Jeffrey White, addresses violations over a period extending from 2014 to the end of 2024. Despite denying the charges, Apple apologized in 2019 following reports of contractors overhearing private interactions during internal reviews.
Eligible class members, potentially numbering in the tens of millions, may receive up to $20 per Siri device. They must declare under oath that their conversations were recorded. In addition to the $95 million, Apple might incur $28.5 million in legal fees, plus $1.1 million for litigation expenses. The agreement mandates Apple to publish a webpage explaining how users can opt-in for Siri’s improvement and confirm the deletion of any pre-October 2019 audio recordings.
Apple to pay $95 million to settle Siri privacy lawsuit https://t.co/jXz57KS3Sq
— Yahoo Finance (@YahooFinance) January 2, 2025
Apple’s Data Collection Practices Scrutinized
The lawsuit indicates a broader scrutiny of tech companies over privacy practices and the handling of sensitive data. Reports of users receiving targeted advertisements following conversations sparked concerns over unauthorized Siri usage. Notably, this case surfaces as a similar lawsuit against Google’s Voice Assistant proceeds in California, indicating a trend towards heightened accountability in the tech industry.
“As a result of our review, we realize we haven’t been fully living up to our high ideals, and for that we apologize,” Apple said in 2019.
The settlement signifies the importance of transparency and consumer trust, pressuring companies like Apple to uphold stringent privacy standards. With data privacy at the forefront, tech monopolies are tasked with balancing innovation against ethical data management practices, ensuring consumer data is secure and usage is fully transparent.
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a proposed class action lawsuit, accusing the company of violating user privacy due to recording conversations after accidentally activating Siri. By @MalcolmOwen
— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) January 2, 2025
Future of Siri and Technological Innovations
Looking forward, Apple plans to release an advanced version of Siri, described as entering a “new era” with “on-screen awareness” and “personal context understanding.” These features, anticipated to enhance user interaction and security, are set for release next year. Apple aims to regain user confidence as it navigates the demands of technological evolution and compliance with privacy expectations in an increasingly digital age.
Amid these developments, consumers are urged to stay informed about their digital rights and the ever-evolving landscape of technology, ensuring that the balance between advancement and privacy is maintained.
