Apple Settles $95 Million Class-Action Lawsuit
In 2019, a class-action lawsuit was brought against Apple after contractors were found to be eavesdropping on conversations that were accidentally activated by Siri. Apple had hired third-party individuals to evaluate Siri recordings in an attempt to improve the service, but this decision backfired. After a five-year legal battle, Apple has agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying $95 million, although the company denies any responsibility for the controversy.
Millions of class members are expected to receive $20 per device that supports Siri, with the majority of the settlement going to lawyers. The settlement was filed in a California federal court and will need approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. While the details on how affected individuals can claim their settlement have not been released, each user whose device supports Siri is expected to receive $20.
Lawyers for both the plaintiffs and Apple did not comment on the settlement, but it is estimated that they will receive a significant portion of the $95 million payout for their services and expenses. Apple generated $93.74 billion in profit in its latest fiscal year, making the settlement amount a small fraction of their overall revenue.
During the lawsuit, plaintiffs claimed they received targeted ads after private conversations were overheard by Siri, leading to concerns about privacy and data security. Apple, while agreeing to settle, continues to deny any wrongdoing or liability. The company has stated that it denies all of the Plaintiffs’ contentions and claims.
A settlement website will be established to help eligible class members receive their $20 payout. Each member can submit claims for up to five Siri devices, allowing them to receive a total of $100 from the settlement.
