By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit, addressing allegations that its voice assistant, Siri, unintentionally recorded users’ private conversations without consent.
The lawsuit, which affects U.S. customers owning Siri-enabled devices from September 2014 to December 2024, has sparked concerns about the broader implications of voice-activated technology on privacy.
What Happened?
The case dates back to a 2019 exposé by The Guardian, which revealed that Apple employed contractors to review Siri recordings. These recordings reportedly included highly sensitive conversations—ranging from medical discussions and sexual encounters to private business dealings. Even more alarming, Siri allegedly activated accidentally, capturing conversations without users saying the wake words, “Hey, Siri.”
The lawsuit further claimed that some of these recordings were shared with advertisers, leading to targeted ads. For example, one plaintiff reported discussing “Air Jordan” sneakers only to later see ads for the product. Another noted receiving ads for medical procedures shortly after discussing a surgery with their doctor.
Apple’s Privacy Commitment Under Scrutiny
Apple has long prided itself on safeguarding user privacy, with CEO Tim Cook calling it a “fundamental human right.” However, these allegations have cast doubt on that commitment, as the company initially denied any wrongdoing. In 2019, Apple apologized and introduced opt-in data sharing and a feature to delete Siri history.
Despite these measures, the lawsuit has reignited concerns about whether companies like Apple and Google—also facing lawsuits for similar allegations with its voice assistant—are truly prioritizing user privacy over profit.
Who’s Eligible for Compensation?
If approved, the settlement will enable eligible consumers to file claims for up to $20 per Siri-enabled device (maximum five devices). The settlement applies to tens of millions of U.S. users. However, payments may vary based on the number of claims filed, as only 3% to 5% of eligible users are expected to participate.
The settlement is a drop in the ocean compared to Apple’s $705 billion in profits since 2014. Moreover, it’s significantly lower than the estimated $1.5 billion in potential damages if Apple had gone to trial and been found guilty of violating wiretapping and privacy laws.
While this settlement resolves the immediate lawsuit, it has triggered broader discussions about the ethical and legal responsibilities of tech giants in handling user data.
The implications go beyond Apple, as Google’s voice assistant is also under fire for allegedly recording conversations “accidentally” and using the data for advertising purposes. These incidents highlight the delicate balance between innovation and privacy in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and voice recognition technology.
For Apple, the settlement represents an opportunity to move past the controversy, but it also emphasizes the need for stronger safeguards.
Consumers, on the other hand, are encouraged to review their privacy settings and remain vigilant about how their devices interact with them.
As the dust settles, one question remains: Are these breaches truly “accidental,” or are they systemic oversights in pursuit of profit?
