Apple Settles Siri Eavesdropping Lawsuit for $95 Million

In a significant privacy lawsuit, Apple has consented to pay $95 million to resolve allegations that its digital assistant Siri unlawfully recorded and stored private conversations without user consent. This settlement was reached after a class action lawsuit was filed five years ago, wherein users contended that their private interactions were overheard by devices equipped with Siri — including iPhones, iPads, and HomePods.

The lawsuit highlighted a crucial concern: Siri was activated unintentionally and captured discussions, which were not only retained by Apple but allegedly could have been shared with third parties. This issue strikes at the core of user privacy, a domain where Apple has traditionally claimed to lead, particularly given its controlled ecosystem of interconnected hardware and software products.

Under the terms of the proposed settlement, which still awaits judicial approval, Apple maintains its stance of innocence, denying "any and all alleged wrongdoing and liability." Yet, the agreement includes provisions for a settlement fund of $95 million, aimed at compensating eligible U.S. Siri device owners. These individuals might receive up to $20 per device, a symbolic gesture towards rectifying the unintended privacy breach.

Additionally, Apple is required to ensure that any data inadvertently collected is deleted and to clarify user options regarding voice data collection intended to enhance Siri’s functionality. These steps are seen as Apple’s commitment to bolstering user privacy and transparency.

This lawsuit and its settlement occur amidst heightened scrutiny over tech companies' handling of voice assistants and user data. Notably, in 2023, Amazon also settled for over $30 million with the US Federal Trade Commission following similar accusations involving its Alexa digital assistant and Ring doorbell cameras.

This series of legal challenges underscores a growing public and regulatory insistence on better privacy practices from technology giants. For Apple, this settlement not only aims to close a contentious chapter but also serves as a critical reflection point on its privacy safeguards and the operational boundaries of its technologies.