Apple Inc. has reached a settlement agreement to pay $95 million in a proposed class-action lawsuit that alleges its Siri voice assistant violated users’ privacy by recording private conversations without their consent. The settlement, filed in federal court in Oakland, California, is pending approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White.
The lawsuit stems from claims that Siri captured conversations unintentionally, even when users did not activate the voice assistant using the designated “hot words” like “Hey, Siri.” The plaintiffs allege that these recordings were sometimes shared with third parties, including advertisers, leading to privacy violations.
In response to the allegations of privacy breaches, plaintiffs shared unsettling experiences where private discussions led to targeted advertising. One plaintiff mentioned that conversations about Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden led to related advertisements, while another noted that discussing surgical treatment with their doctor resulted in medical services ads.
The unauthorized recording period reportedly began on September 17, 2014, coinciding with the launch of the “Hey, Siri” feature. The class period extends until December 31, 2024, potentially qualifying millions of users for compensation.
According to Reuters, under the settlement agreement, Apple will contribute $95 million to a fund, allowing class members to claim up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. Tens of millions of users are estimated to be eligible for compensation.
While Apple has agreed to the settlement, the company denies any wrongdoing. Apple and its legal team have not publicly commented on the case. Plaintiffs’ attorneys are expected to request up to $28.5 million in legal fees and $1.1 million in associated expenses from the settlement fund.
Despite the $95 million payout, it is a minor fraction of Apple’s substantial earnings, equivalent to only nine hours of its annual profit, which amounted to $93.74 billion in the previous fiscal year.
This case sheds light on the increasing legal scrutiny that tech companies face regarding potential breaches of user privacy by virtual assistants. A similar lawsuit involving Google’s Voice Assistant is currently pending in California, with the same legal firms representing plaintiffs in both cases.
Titled Lopez et al v. Apple Inc., the lawsuit marks a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about user privacy and the expanding influence of voice-activated technologies. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to prioritize the protection of user data and privacy in the digital age.
In conclusion, the settlement between Apple Inc. and the plaintiffs underscores the importance of safeguarding user privacy in the ever-growing realm of technology and virtual assistants. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future legal disputes concerning privacy breaches by prominent tech companies.