Apple Settles Class Action Lawsuit Over Siri’s Privacy Concerns
On Tuesday, Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a 2019 lawsuit claiming that Siri, its virtual assistant, violated the privacy of Apple users by recording their conversations without consent. The lawsuit alleged that Apple programmed Siri to intercept conversations even when no hot word, such as "Hey Siri," was spoken, and that the company shared the recordings with third-party contractors.
Lopez v. Apple, Inc.
The class action lawsuit was filed by three plaintiffs who alleged that Apple’s practices constituted a violation of their privacy. The plaintiffs claimed that Apple’s actions led to targeted advertising, with two of them receiving ads for products they had discussed privately. The third plaintiff said he received ads for a surgical treatment after discussing it with his doctor.
Apple has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that it did not intend to intercept or share recordings of users’ conversations. However, the company has agreed to pay $95 million to settle the lawsuit, pending approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in the Oakland, California, federal court.
How Much You Could Get
Each individual payout is capped at $20 per Siri-enabled device, according to Reuters. This means that the more devices you own, the higher your overall payout. However, the settlement specifically applies to current or former owners of a Siri device in the US whose private conversations were obtained by Apple and/or shared with third parties due to an unintended activation by Siri between September 17, 2014, and the settlement date.
Damage to Apple’s Reputation
While the payout will not significantly impact Apple’s finances, the company’s reputation may suffer from the allegations. Apple has long touted its commitment to privacy, and the settlement suggests that the company may have compromised on that promise. The incident has raised concerns about the privacy of users’ conversations with voice assistants, and Apple’s handling of the situation has been criticized.
Google is Also in the Crosshairs
A similar class action suit has been filed against Google, alleging that its voice assistant also violates users’ privacy. The case is being heard in a San Jose, California, federal court, with the same law firms representing the plaintiffs as in the Apple case.
Conclusion
The settlement may provide some relief to affected users, but it does not address the underlying concerns about the privacy of users’ conversations with voice assistants. As the technology continues to evolve, it is essential for companies like Apple and Google to prioritize users’ privacy and transparency.
FAQs
- What is the settlement amount?
The settlement amount is $95 million. - Who is eligible for the settlement?
Current or former owners of a Siri device in the US whose private conversations were obtained by Apple and/or shared with third parties due to an unintended activation by Siri between September 17, 2014, and the settlement date. - How much could I get?
Each individual payout is capped at $20 per Siri-enabled device. - What is the class action period?
The class action period runs from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024.
