Apple has agreed to a US$250 million settlement to resolve allegations that its artificial intelligence-powered Siri voice assistant violated user privacy by recording private conversations without consent. The settlement, announced on Tuesday, stems from a class-action lawsuit that accused Apple of capturing and storing audio data from Siri interactions even when users did not intentionally activate the feature.
Lawsuit Allegations
The plaintiffs claimed that Apple's Siri technology routinely recorded conversations without a clear trigger phrase, such as "Hey Siri," and shared that data with third parties. The lawsuit alleged that these recordings occurred in private settings, including homes and offices, violating wiretapping and privacy laws in multiple states.
Apple's Response
Apple did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement. In a statement, the company said it "has always prioritized user privacy and data security" and agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. The tech giant also committed to implementing additional privacy safeguards for Siri, including clearer indicators when the assistant is recording.
Impact on Consumers
Eligible class members may receive compensation for documented privacy violations. The settlement covers U.S. residents who owned or used Siri-enabled devices between 2011 and 2023. Payouts will vary based on the number of claims filed and the extent of alleged recordings.
Broader Implications
The case highlights growing concerns over AI-powered voice assistants and data privacy. Similar lawsuits have been filed against other tech companies, including Amazon and Google, over their respective assistants. Privacy advocates say the settlement underscores the need for stricter regulations on voice data collection.
Next Steps
The settlement requires court approval. A hearing is scheduled for July 2026. If approved, Apple will establish a claims process for affected users.
