Apple to Pay $95M to Settle Lawsuit That Alleges Siri Is Spying on Its Users
Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit that claimed the company’s Siri voice assistant was recording and listening to users without their consent. The settlement resolves the ongoing legal battle over allegations that Siri violated privacy laws by secretly collecting audio data from users.
The class-action lawsuit, filed in 2023, accused Apple of illegally collecting and storing voice recordings from Siri interactions, even when users believed their devices were not actively listening. The lawsuit argued that this data collection violated users’ rights to privacy under federal and state laws. It further alleged that Siri was recording sensitive information, including private conversations, without users’ knowledge or consent.
Under the terms of the settlement, Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to eligible users who were affected by the practice. The company will also make changes to its data collection practices, including offering clearer disclosures and improved controls for users to manage their privacy settings.
“We take privacy very seriously at Apple, and we are committed to ensuring our products and services meet the highest standards of user privacy,” said Apple spokesperson. “While we do not believe our systems intentionally violate privacy, we have agreed to settle this matter to avoid prolonged litigation and to provide clarity and peace of mind to our customers.”
The lawsuit accused Apple of not adequately disclosing how its Siri feature collects and processes audio data, including instances where Siri activated unintentionally and recorded conversations. Plaintiffs in the case argued that the company failed to provide clear mechanisms for users to opt out of voice data collection.
As part of the settlement, Apple has agreed to implement additional measures to enhance transparency around Siri’s data practices. This includes making it easier for users to review and delete voice recordings, as well as providing more detailed information about how their data is used. Apple will also conduct a review of its policies to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
The settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over data privacy and voice-activated technologies. While voice assistants like Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant have become integral to daily life, privacy concerns have been mounting over how much personal information these devices collect and whether companies are doing enough to protect users’ data.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the settlement, saying it sets an important precedent for tech companies to be more transparent and accountable when it comes to user data. “This settlement sends a strong message to companies that consumer privacy cannot be ignored, and they must be held accountable for any breaches,”
Although Apple has agreed to the settlement, the company did not admit to any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement still needs court approval, but experts predict that it will likely be finalized in the coming months.
This settlement comes at a time when privacy and data protection issues are under increasing scrutiny globally, with governments and regulators ramping up efforts to ensure tech companies respect users’ privacy rights. Apple, in particular, has been a vocal advocate for user privacy, often touting its security measures as a key differentiator in the tech industry.
As part of the broader shift towards stronger privacy protections, Apple has already implemented a number of features designed to give users more control over their data, including the ability to limit tracking across apps and enhanced privacy labels in the App Store. However, this lawsuit highlights that even the most privacy-conscious companies are not immune to legal challenges surrounding data collection practices.
