Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its virtual assistant Siri recorded users without their consent and shared voice recordings with advertisers. Despite the settlement, Apple denies any wrongdoing.
Accusations Against Siri
The lawsuit claimed Apple’s Siri-enabled devices, including iPhones, iPads, and other products, were listening to users without permission. The plaintiffs alleged that Siri recorded conversations unintentionally, even when users did not activate the assistant with the “Hey Siri” wake phrase.
Further allegations included the sharing of recorded conversations with advertisers, enabling targeted advertising based on keywords captured during these recordings. Lead plaintiff Fumiko Lopez claims she and her daughter were served targeted ads after discussing specific products, such as Air Jordans, without ever activating Siri intentionally.
Apple’s Stance
In its preliminary settlement, Apple denies the claims, asserting that it neither recorded conversations without consent nor shared recordings with advertisers. The company stated that it had “permanently deleted individual Siri audio recordings collected prior to October 2019.”
Apple emphasized that the settlement is not an admission of guilt but a resolution to avoid the uncertainties of a court trial, which could have resulted in a significantly larger payout.
Settlement Details
The settlement proposal, filed in a Northern California court, suggests a decision date of February 14, 2025.
Eligible claimants are U.S.-based users who owned Siri-enabled devices between 2014 and 2019. Each claimant could receive up to $20 per device. However, the legal fees—30% of the total settlement plus expenses—amount to nearly $30 million, reducing the payout pool for individual claimants.
Apple’s Legal Challenges
Apple has faced numerous class-action lawsuits in recent years:
- iPhone Slowdown Settlement: In January 2024, Apple began paying out a $500 million settlement over claims it deliberately slowed down older iPhones.
- UK Class Action: In March 2024, the company agreed to pay $490 million in a class-action lawsuit led by Norfolk County Council.
- iCloud Allegations: In November 2024, consumer group Which? filed a class action against Apple, accusing it of overcharging for iCloud services.
Implications for the Tech Industry
The lawsuit highlights growing concerns over privacy in the tech industry. Apple’s case mirrors a similar lawsuit against Google, which faces allegations of listening to users via its devices. That case is currently pending in the same Northern California court.
Apple’s $95 million settlement underscores the financial and reputational risks technology companies face amid increased scrutiny of their data collection and privacy practices. Despite its vast revenue—$94.9 billion in the three months ending September 28, 2024—Apple’s legal challenges demonstrate the importance of maintaining user trust in an increasingly privacy-conscious world.
