Apple Settles Privacy Lawsuit Over Siri Recordings for $95 Million

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a proposed class action lawsuit, which accused the tech giant of violating user privacy by recording conversations through its voice assistant Siri without consent. The settlement, which does not admit wrongdoing, is subject to approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. If approved, tens of millions of consumers who owned iPhones and other Apple devices from September 17, 2014, through the end of last year could file claims. Each consumer could receive up to $20 per Siri-equipped device covered by the settlement, although the payment could be reduced or increased, depending on the volume of claims. Only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers are expected to file claims, according to estimates in court documents.

The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged that Apple unlawfully recorded conversations without permission, via the use of Siri. Some plaintiffs claimed that discussions of products such as Air Jordan and Olive Garden restaurants prompted ads to be served for those products. However, Apple's privacy systems would prevent such targeted advertising to occur based on recordings from Siri specifically. The suit surfaced following reports that human contractors were used to review private or sensitive recordings in a quality assurance program, intended to improve Siri's accuracy. A small number of recordings were passed on to the contractors, working for a third-party firm, the report at the time claimed. The team were tasked with working out whether a particular Siri activation was accidental or performed on purpose, determining if the query was within Siri's capabilities, and if Siri's response was proper.

Following the reports, Apple suspended the program while it reviewed the possibility of Siri recording users accidentally. It later became an opt-in program, with Apple also making it easier for users to delete recordings. The initial version of the lawsuit was tossed in 2021, with Judge White determining the plaintiffs had failed to provide sufficient facts to support the lawsuit's claims. The first version of the lawsuit accused Apple of violating a variety of state and federal laws, including a federal statute of wiretapping. While it was a brief win for Apple at the time, Judge White gave the lawyers and consumers permission to revise and review their complaint, for a second filing. That resulted in the now-settled lawsuit.

Apple's settlement will pay users up to $20 per Siri device impacted, with the total settlement fund potentially reaching $100 million if all eligible consumers file claims. However, the actual payout will depend on the number of claims received. The settlement also requires Apple to confirm that it permanently deleted Siri audio recordings collected before October 2019 and publish a webpage that explains how users can opt in to improve Siri and what information Apple collects.

The settlement comes as Apple faces increasing scrutiny over its privacy practices and the use of user data. In recent years, the company has made efforts to enhance its privacy features and provide users with more control over their data. However, the settlement highlights the importance of Apple addressing user concerns and ensuring that its products and services comply with relevant laws and regulations.




In conclusion, Apple's settlement of the privacy lawsuit over Siri recordings is a significant development for the tech giant, as it seeks to address user concerns and rebuild trust in its commitment to privacy. The settlement, while not an admission of wrongdoing, demonstrates Apple's willingness to take responsibility for its actions and make amends to its customers. As Apple continues to face scrutiny over its privacy practices, it is crucial for the company to maintain transparency and provide users with more control over their data. By doing so, Apple can rebuild consumer trust and ensure the long-term success of its products and services.