Apple users may soon be eligible for a cash payout after the company agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit involving alleged eavesdropping by Siri.
The preliminary settlement, filed on December 13, 2024, in Oakland, California, is pending approval by a U.S. district judge. The lawsuit claims that Apple violated privacy by recording Siri conversations triggered accidentally and sharing these recordings with advertisers.
The case dates back to 2019 when a report by The Guardian revealed that Apple hired contractors to listen to private Siri recordings, including sensitive conversations about medical appointments, sexual encounters, and drug deals.
Apple faced controversy after it was revealed that while the company acknowledged that recordings from Siri could be listened to, it did not clearly disclose that human oversight was involved in the process. In a new lawsuit concerning Siri eavesdropping, two plaintiffs claim that their iPhones showed targeted ads after they discussed specific topics.
One plaintiff mentioned Air Jordan shoes, only to later see advertisements for the product. Another alleged he received medical ads related to a surgical treatment he discussed with his doctor. The case highlights concerns over privacy and consent in relation to voice assistants.
A district judge’s approval of the Siri eavesdropping settlement could make certain individuals eligible for a payout. If you believe you may be affected, it’s important to understand who qualifies for compensation and what steps you can take to protect your privacy while using Apple’s voice assistant. By staying informed and adjusting your settings, you can enhance your privacy and minimize data exposure when using Siri.