Siri’s Secret Recordings Result in $95 Million Settlement: How to Claim Your Share
Apple recently settled a class-action lawsuit for a whopping $95 million, stemming from claims that Siri, the tech giant’s voice assistant, recorded and shared users’ conversations without permission. The lawsuit, known as Lopez v. Apple, Inc., was filed in 2019 by three plaintiffs who alleged that Siri was intercepting conversations even when the “Hey Siri” command wasn’t used. They also claimed that Apple shared these recordings with outside contractors.
In settling the suit, Apple denies any wrongdoing. However, as part of the settlement, Apple users could receive a payout. How much you may get depends on how many Siri-enabled devices you own. Each individual could receive up to $20 per device. The settlement applies to current or former owners of Siri devices in the US who had private conversations intercepted by Siri between September 17, 2014, and the settlement date.
Apple’s reputation for privacy is on the line with this lawsuit. Despite the relatively small sum in comparison to Apple’s overall profit, the settlement may impact the company’s image, especially since Apple has always emphasized its commitment to user privacy. The lawsuit raises concerns about voice assistants eavesdropping and sharing data without consent, adding fuel to ongoing debates about privacy in the tech world.
As the settlement awaits approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White, Apple users affected by this privacy breach will have to wait to see how much they’ll receive and how to claim their portion of the settlement. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
