Is Apple responsible for compensating you for problems with Siri? Here’s what you need to know about the $95 million settlement.
Some Apple users may be entitled to compensation as part of a $95 million settlement following a class action lawsuit that alleged Siri was eavesdropping on conversations without being prompted. The settlement, which was recently filed in an Oakland federal court and is pending approval by a federal judge, marks the conclusion of a legal battle that began after a 2019 report revealed that Apple contractors were listening to private conversations while “grading” the Siri voice assistant.
In the lawsuit, Apple device owners claimed that Siri could be accidentally activated, leading to the recording of conversations that were meant to be private. These recordings were allegedly disclosed to third parties, such as advertisers, with mentions of certain brands triggering related ads. The plaintiffs highlighted concerns about the invasion of privacy and the unauthorized sharing of personal conversations.
To qualify for a claim under the settlement, individuals must have experienced Siri listening to a private conversation without intentional activation during the class period, which spans from Sept. 17, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2024. Claimants will need to confirm this experience under oath, and those who accept settlement money will waive their right to pursue legal action against Apple for similar issues in the future.
Customers who purchased Apple devices between the specified dates could be eligible to receive up to $20 per device. Should the settlement be approved by the judge, a designated website will be established for individuals to submit their claims. Additional information regarding the claims process will be provided on the website once it goes live.
This settlement brings closure to a lengthy legal battle between Apple and consumers who felt that their privacy was compromised by Siri’s actions. While the exact details of the settlement process are yet to be finalized, affected individuals now have the opportunity to potentially receive compensation for their experiences with Siri.
