Apple agreed to a $95 million settlement on Thursday to resolve a class-action lawsuit concerning its voice assistant, Siri.
The lawsuit, spanning five years, claimed that Siri recorded private conversations without user consent when unintentionally activated.
Plaintiffs reported receiving targeted ads after discussing products privately, raising concerns about privacy violations.
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Details of the settlement
The proposed agreement, submitted to a federal court in Oakland, California, requires approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White.
As part of the settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing but commits to deleting Siri audio recordings made before October 2019 and will create a webpage to inform users about opting in to improve Siri’s functionality.
Eligible users who owned Siri-enabled devices from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, may receive up to $20 per device.
Apple’s commitment to privacy
Deceased Apple’s founder, Steve Jobs, emphasised user privacy as a core value of the company.
This lawsuit contradicts Apple’s long-standing commitment to safeguarding user data, a principle CEO Tim Cook reiterates.
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He has described privacy as “a fundamental human right,” highlighting the company’s dedication to protecting its customers.
The case gained traction after a 2019 report revealed that Apple contractors often overheard sensitive conversations while reviewing Siri recordings for quality control.
This settlement represents a small fraction of Apple’s substantial profits but reflects ongoing scrutiny over tech companies’ handling of user data.
As the situation evolves, Apple aims to reassure users about their privacy while enhancing Siri’s capabilities with new AI advancements expected in the coming years.
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