Apple users may soon be eligible for compensation following the company’s agreement to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over allegations of Siri eavesdropping. The case, filed in Oakland, California, accused Apple of recording conversations unintentionally triggered by Siri and allegedly sharing data with advertisers without user consent.
The Allegations
The lawsuit stems from a 2019 report by The Guardian that revealed Apple contractors had been listening to Siri recordings, including sensitive conversations about medical appointments, personal relationships, and even illegal activities. The plaintiffs claimed their devices activated Siri without intent, recording private discussions that allegedly influenced targeted advertisements.
Apple has not admitted any wrongdoing, emphasising that Siri data collection is anonymised and used solely to enhance functionality. However, to avoid protracted litigation, the company has agreed to the settlement while denying the allegations in court filings.
Who Can Claim?
The settlement covers U.S.-based users who owned a Siri-enabled Apple device between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Eligible claimants must attest under oath that Siri was activated without their knowledge and that private conversations were recorded.
Apple has proposed a deadline of February 14, 2025, for the final court approval of the settlement. Once approved, a dedicated website will be established within 45 days to manage claims. Users will then have until May 15, 2025, to submit their compensation applications.
Also Read: Dr. Hyman Warns Popular Breakfast Food Could Be Harming Your Health
What Compensation Can You Expect?
Eligible users may receive $20 per device, with a cap of five devices per individual, resulting in a potential payout of $100. However, the final amount could vary depending on the total number of approved claims.
While $20 per device may seem modest, the settlement represents a broader acknowledgment of privacy concerns in the tech industry and highlights Apple’s efforts to mitigate future risks.
Breakdown of the Settlement
The $95 million settlement will be distributed among eligible claimants and legal teams. Attorneys handling the case could receive up to 30% of the settlement amount, roughly $30 million, and cover other legal expenses.
Although significant for affected users, the settlement represents a fraction of Apple’s financial capabilities. In its most recent fiscal year, the company reported revenues of $93.74 billion.
How to Protect Your Privacy
Concerns about Siri eavesdropping have led some users to question whether they should continue using the voice assistant. While Apple has denied claims of sharing data with advertisers, it made notable privacy changes in 2019, requiring users opt-in for Siri analytics.
For those wanting to ensure maximum privacy, disabling Siri is an option. On iPhones or iPads, users can navigate to Settings > Siri & Search, then toggle off “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’” or “Press Home for Siri.” On Mac devices, Siri can be turned off by going to System Settings > Siri & Spotlight and disabling “Ask Siri.”
Broader Implications
This case is one of several recent legal challenges faced by tech companies over privacy concerns tied to voice assistants. The same law firm representing plaintiffs in this case is pursuing similar lawsuits against Google. These cases highlight increasing scrutiny over how voice-enabled devices collect, store, and use data.
Apple’s Response
Apple continues to deny any wrongdoing, emphasizing its commitment to user privacy. “We deny all allegations of impropriety and liability,” the company stated in court documents. Apple explained that Siri’s data collection is anonymised and intended to improve user experience, not to infringe on privacy.
The company’s decision to settle reflects its desire to avoid the financial and reputational risks of prolonged litigation. Had the case been trialled, Apple could have faced damages exceeding $1.5 billion.
What’s Next?
For Apple users who believe they qualify, the settlement provides an opportunity to receive compensation while raising awareness about privacy concerns. It also reminds users to regularly review device settings. Data is managed according to their preferences.
The dedicated claims website is expected to launch soon. It will offer eligible users clear instructions on applying for their share of the settlement. This case underscores the growing demand for transparency and accountability in the tech industry regarding the protection of user data.