Tech Giant Apple Agrees to Pay $95 Million to Resolve Allegations of Unauthorized Listening of Siri Commands
In a significant move, tech giant Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit involving allegations that Siri, its voice assistant, was spying or eavesdropping on users after accidental activations of the service. The settlement covers incidents between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.
The lawsuit, approved by a U.S. judge, arose due to concerns about Siri recording and sending users’ conversations without explicit consent. This controversy reflects broader worries about privacy and surveillance capitalism in the tech industry. Despite Apple's public stance on defending user privacy, this lawsuit and settlement call that commitment into question.
The lawsuit alleges that Siri can be activated by various sounds, such as the sound of a zip or an individual raising their arms and speaking. In many cases, it is claimed that Siri would begin collecting consumer information in the absence of a trigger word or trigger phrase, like "Hey, Siri."
Apple is accused of not making a good-faith effort to rectify widespread problems, including accidental activations of Siri. The company is also alleged to be aware that unauthorized recordings are common but has not informed consumers about it. Despite this, Apple has no system in place to deal with accidental recordings.
The settlement does not require Apple to admit any wrongdoing. However, it allows affected iPhone users with Siri-compatible devices to submit claims for potential compensation. Each class member could be paid up to $20 for each Siri-enabled device owned between 2014 and 2019, if the settlement is approved.
This is not the first time Apple has faced a privacy lawsuit related to Siri. The regularity of triggers on Siri devices such as the Apple Watch is 'incredibly high,' according to some plaintiffs. They also claim to have received targeted advertisements for products they discussed with Siri, such as brand name surgical treatments, Air Jordan sneakers, Pit Viper sunglasses, and Olive Garden restaurants.
The proposed settlement is a significant case in the ongoing debate about privacy and voice assistants in consumer technology. It underscores the need for tech companies to prioritise user privacy and transparency in their practices. The settlement reflects Apple's commitment to resolving legal challenges and maintaining its reputation in the face of scrutiny.
- The controversy surrounding Apple's Siri voice assistant, which allegedly collected user conversations without explicit consent, raises questions about the company's commitment to personal-finance, specifically financial data privacy.
- The tech industry, including giants like Apple, must prioritize technology advancements that prioritize user privacy, as the settlement of the Siri class-action lawsuit highlights the potential risks of surveillance capitalism in personal-finance matters.
