Apple Agrees to $95 Million
By Chris Williams
Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its Siri voice assistant inadvertently recorded users’ private conversations without consent. The lawsuit claimed that Siri’s unintentional activations led to the recording and sharing of confidential discussions with third parties, including advertisers. 
Background of the Lawsuit
The class-action lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, covered the period from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024. Plaintiffs alleged that Siri frequently activated without the “Hey, Siri” trigger phrase, capturing private conversations. Some users reported receiving targeted advertisements related to topics discussed in these private conversations, suggesting that the recorded data was shared with advertisers. 
Settlement Details
Under the proposed settlement, Apple will pay $95 million into a fund to compensate affected users. Class members, estimated to be in the tens of millions, may receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, including iPhones and Apple Watches. The settlement also requires Apple to confirm that it has permanently deleted individual Siri audio recordings obtained prior to October 2019 within six months of the settlement’s effective date. Additionally, Apple must provide clear information to users about how they can opt in to improve Siri’s functionality. 
Apple’s Response
While agreeing to the settlement, Apple has denied any wrongdoing. The company stated that the recordings were unintentional and that it has always prioritized user privacy. In 2019, following reports that contractors were reviewing Siri recordings containing sensitive information, Apple temporarily suspended the practice and implemented changes to enhance user privacy. These changes included no longer retaining audio recordings by default and allowing users to opt in to share their recordings to improve Siri. 
Implications for Users
The settlement highlights the importance of user privacy and the need for transparency in how voice assistants handle data. Users of Siri-enabled devices should be aware of their settings and the options available to control data sharing. Apple has committed to providing clearer information to users about how their data is used and the steps they can take to protect their privacy.
Next Steps
The proposed settlement is pending approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White. If approved, affected users will be notified of their eligibility to file claims for compensation. Legal representatives may seek up to $28.5 million in fees, plus $1.1 million for expenses, from the settlement fund. 
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