Apple's $95 million Siri settlement: What it means for users
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning its voice assistant, Siri. This lawsuit, initiated in 2019, claimed that Siri violated user privacy by recording conversations without consent. As a result, millions of users may be eligible for compensation.
Key takeaways
- Apple has settled a class action lawsuit for $95 million regarding Siri's privacy violations.
- Users may receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device they own.
- The settlement must be approved by a federal judge before payouts can be made.
Background of the lawsuit
The lawsuit, known as Lopez v. Apple, Inc., was filed by three plaintiffs who alleged that Siri was programmed to intercept conversations even when the activation phrase "Hey Siri" was not used. They claimed that Apple shared these recordings with third-party contractors, violating their privacy.
The plaintiffs provided specific examples where their private conversations led to targeted advertisements, raising concerns about the extent of Siri's data collection practices.
Potential payouts for users
The settlement allows users to claim compensation based on the number of Siri-enabled devices they own. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Maximum payout per device: $20
- Number of devices eligible: Up to 5 Siri devices per individual
This means that users could potentially receive up to $100 if they own five eligible devices. However, the settlement specifically applies to current or former owners of Siri devices in the U.S. whose conversations were recorded due to unintended activation between September 17, 2014, and the settlement date.
Approval process
Before any payouts can be distributed, the settlement must receive approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in Oakland, California. A hearing for final approval is scheduled within 45 days, after which details on how to file a claim will be made available on the settlement website.
Impact on Apple
While the $95 million settlement is a significant amount, it represents only a fraction of Apple's overall profits, which totaled $93.74 billion in its latest fiscal year. However, the lawsuit could tarnish Apple's reputation, especially given its longstanding claims of prioritizing user privacy.
The allegations suggest that Apple may have compromised its privacy commitments, which could lead to increased scrutiny from consumers and regulators alike.
Changes made by Apple
In response to the privacy concerns raised in the lawsuit, Apple made several changes to Siri in August 2019. These changes included:
- Suspending human grading of Siri responses
- Stopping the storage of Siri conversation recordings
- Implementing an opt-in process for sharing audio samples
Apple has stated that it settled the case to avoid further litigation and to move forward from concerns about third-party grading that were already addressed in 2019.
Broader implications for tech companies
Apple is not alone in facing scrutiny over privacy practices. A similar class action lawsuit has been filed against Google regarding its voice assistant, highlighting a growing concern among users about how their data is handled by major tech companies. As these legal battles unfold, the tech industry may need to reassess its privacy policies to regain user trust.
In conclusion, the $95 million Siri settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of user privacy in the digital age. As Apple navigates this legal challenge, users may soon find themselves eligible for compensation while also reflecting on the broader implications of privacy in technology.
