Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement in Siri Privacy Lawsuit

Apple has reached a $95 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging that its Siri voice assistant violated user privacy. The lawsuit claimed that Siri inadvertently recorded private conversations and shared them with third parties, leading to concerns over targeted advertising and unauthorized data usage.

The preliminary settlement, filed in a federal court in Oakland, California, awaits approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. While Apple denies any wrongdoing, this case has brought renewed attention to privacy concerns surrounding voice assistants.

The Allegations: Siri and Targeted Ads

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued that Siri frequently activated unintentionally and recorded private conversations. These recordings were allegedly shared with third parties, including advertisers, who used the data to deliver targeted ads.

For instance:

• Two plaintiffs reported receiving ads for Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden shortly after discussing them near their devices.
• Another plaintiff alleged that private discussions about a surgical treatment with their doctor led to receiving ads for that specific treatment.

This issue highlighted the unintended consequences of voice assistants responding to “hot words” like “Hey, Siri,” which trigger the device’s recording function.

Who Is Eligible for Compensation?

The settlement covers users who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, a period that began with Siri’s integration of the “Hey, Siri” feature.

Class members—estimated to number in the tens of millions—could receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, including iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads.

Apple’s Denial and Financial Impact

Despite agreeing to the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing in this case. The $95 million payout, while substantial, represents just a fraction of the company’s annual profit. In its most recent fiscal year, Apple reported a net income of $93.74 billion, meaning this settlement equates to roughly nine hours of profit.

Legal Fees and Settlement Breakdown

The settlement fund includes:

• $28.5 million in legal fees for the attorneys representing the plaintiffs.
• $1.1 million for expenses incurred during the legal process.

These amounts are part of the total $95 million, leaving the remainder for distribution among eligible class members.

Implications for Privacy and Voice Assistants

This lawsuit underscores the growing concerns surrounding privacy in voice-activated technology. While Apple is known for its strong stance on user privacy, this case highlights the potential risks and vulnerabilities in even the most secure systems.

As voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant become increasingly integrated into everyday life, companies may face greater scrutiny over how they handle user data.

What’s Next for Apple?

While this settlement resolves one high-profile lawsuit, Apple continues to face challenges in maintaining its reputation as a leader in privacy. The company’s next steps may include:

• Enhancing privacy features in Siri and other services.
• Strengthening safeguards to prevent unintended data collection.
• Increasing transparency about how user data is handled.

Despite this setback, Apple remains a tech giant with an unwavering focus on innovation and user experience. The settlement serves as a reminder that even the most respected companies must prioritize user trust in the age of smart devices.