Apple has reached a $95 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging that its Siri voice assistant recorded users’ private conversations without their consent. The proposed settlement, filed in an Oakland federal court, is pending approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. If approved, it could offer affected users up to $20 per Siri-enabled device.
The lawsuit, spanning from September 2014 to December 2024, claimed that Siri’s “Hey, Siri” feature often activated inadvertently, capturing private conversations. Plaintiffs reported that these recordings, which were supposed to improve Siri’s performance, were shared with third parties, including advertisers. Examples cited include receiving targeted ads for Air Jordan sneakers, Olive Garden, and even a medical treatment discussed in what users believed were private settings.
The class-action case gained momentum after a 2019 whistleblower revealed to The Guardian that Apple contractors regularly reviewed Siri recordings for quality control purposes. These recordings allegedly included confidential information, ranging from personal medical discussions to mundane sounds like a zipper. Following public backlash, Apple apologized and ceased retaining audio recordings for Siri’s improvement.
Impacts on Siri Users
The settlement could involve tens of millions of users who owned Siri-enabled devices during the class period. Eligible devices include iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, HomePods, MacBooks, and Apple TVs. Users may claim compensation for up to five devices, with payouts potentially reaching $20 per device. To qualify, claimants must attest under oath that Siri inadvertently recorded a private conversation.
However, the final payout per device depends on the number of claims submitted. With a vast pool of eligible users, actual payments may fall below the $20 maximum cap. Those who accept the settlement will waive their right to pursue further legal action against Apple for related issues.
Apple’s Response
While agreeing to the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing. The $95 million payout, equivalent to about nine hours of the company’s annual profit, reflects a pragmatic decision to close the case rather than an admission of fault.
Apple has also committed to changes in its practices. The company will confirm the deletion of Siri recordings collected before October 2019 and enhance transparency regarding its “Improve Siri” program. A new webpage will detail how users can opt in or out of data sharing for Siri improvements.
Broader Industry Implications
This lawsuit is part of a growing scrutiny of voice assistant technologies across the tech industry. Similar lawsuits have targeted Google and Amazon for their voice assistants, alleging unauthorized recordings and privacy violations. A case involving Google’s Voice Assistant is currently pending in San Jose, represented by the same law firms handling the Apple case.
The settlement underscores the evolving debate around privacy and technology. As voice assistants become more integral to daily life, companies are under pressure to balance innovation with user trust. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent practices and robust safeguards in maintaining consumer confidence.
While Apple has taken steps to address privacy concerns, the lawsuit highlights the challenges companies face in navigating the complex intersection of technology, privacy, and user expectations. For now, affected Siri users have an opportunity to claim compensation and move forward.
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