We never sold your personal data: Apple after paying $95 million to settle Siri lawsuit
Apple recently paid $95 million to settle a lawsuit that accused Apple’s virtual assistant Siri of secretly recording the conversations of iPhone and other Apple product users without their consent. The lawsuit is surprising considering Apple’s long-standing commitment to privacy, a cornerstone of its brand image.
In a statement to the media, Apple said: “Apple has never used Siri data to build marketing profiles, has never made it available for advertising purposes, and has never sold it. material to anyone for any purpose. We are constantly developing technologies to make Siri more private and will continue to do so.”
“Privacy is a foundational part of the design process, driven by principles including data minimization, on-device intelligence, transparency and control as well as privacy,” the iPhone maker said. as powerful protections work together to give users incredible experiences and peace of mind.” . This applies to all of our products and services, including Siri, which is designed to protect user privacy and is the most private digital assistant.”
What is the Siri lawsuit about?
The lawsuit, filed by Wood Law Firm in August 2019, follows a Guardian report accuses Siri of secretly recording conversations. The complaint alleges that Siri’s microphone activated at unintended times, recording private conversations without the user’s knowledge.
The problem is said to stem from one Software update 2014 that allows Siri to activate when hearing “Hey, Siri.” However, the lawsuit claims Siri regularly records audio outside of this command to improve Apple’s machine learning technology.
Other allegations suggest that Apple shared these recorded conversations with advertisers, allowing targeted marketing efforts based on private discussions—a serious violation of human rights. private.
Who is covered by the Settlement?
The settlement applies to tens of millions of U.S. consumers who already own or purchase Siri-enabled devices—such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks—between September 17, 2014 and December 31, 2022. Eligible consumers will be able to file claims.
How much will consumers receive?
The settlement anticipates payments of up to $20 per Siri-enabled devicewith a limit on the number of devices per consumer. However, the actual amount may vary depending on:
- Number of complaints filed: It is expected that only 3–5% of eligible consumers will file a claim.
- Legal fees and expenses: Nearly $30 million of the settlement is earmarked for legal fees and expenses, subject to approval by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White.
A hearing to consider the proposed settlement will be held February 14, 2025in Oakland, California. Final approval will determine the payment timeline for eligible consumers.
How to turn off Siri
To ensure privacy, users can turn off Siri on their devices by following these steps:
- go Settings > Siri & Search.
- Turn off “Listen to ‘Hey Siri’” And “Press the side button for Siri.”
- Confirm by selecting Turn off Siri on the pop-up window.
To prevent specific apps from accessing your microphone, navigate to Settings > [App Name] > Microphone and turn off the option.
This lawsuit raises important questions about privacy in the digital age, especially for companies that prioritize user trust.
