Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant Siri violated user privacy by recording conversations without consent. Under the proposed settlement, eligible iPhone owners could receive up to $95 each.
Details of the Settlement
The lawsuit claimed that Apple's Siri was activated without a deliberate wake command, capturing private conversations and sharing them with third parties. Apple denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. The $250 million fund will be distributed among affected users who submit valid claims.
Who Is Eligible?
iPhone owners in the United States who owned a device with Siri between September 2014 and December 2024 may be eligible for compensation. The exact payout per person depends on the number of valid claims filed. Apple has also agreed to implement additional privacy safeguards for Siri as part of the settlement.
Reactions and Implications
Consumer advocacy groups praised the settlement as a step toward greater transparency in voice assistant technology. Privacy experts noted that the case highlights ongoing concerns about digital assistants and data collection. Apple stated that it remains committed to user privacy and will continue to improve Siri's functionality and security.
The settlement is subject to court approval, with a final hearing scheduled for later this year. If approved, affected users will be notified and can file claims online.
