Apple Settles Siri Privacy Lawsuit for $95 Million

Case Overview: Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging its Siri voice assistant recorded private conversations without user consent. 

Consumers Affected: Individuals who owned Siri-enabled devices between September 2014 and December 2024.  

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a lawsuit claiming its Siri voice assistant recorded private conversations without user consent. While still awaiting court approval, the settlement addresses years of complaints about unintended recordings and potential privacy violations.

Siri Recorded Conversations Without Consent, Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit alleged that Siri, Apple’s voice-activated assistant, frequently recorded conversations that users never intended to share. These recordings, triggered by the “Hey, Siri” feature, allegedly captured private discussions, later leading to targeted advertisements.

According to plaintiffs, phrases like “Air Jordan sneakers” or “Olive Garden” mentioned in private conversations were followed by ads for those products. Such incidents raised questions about how Siri processes voice data and whether it was shared with third parties.

The case centers on claims that Apple’s systems misinterpreted everyday sounds or speech, activating Siri without users realizing it. Plaintiffs argued that this violated their expectations of privacy.

Who is Included in the Settlement?

The settlement covers millions of individuals who owned Siri-enabled devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, from September 2014 through December 2024. Those eligible may receive up to $20 per device, though the exact amount depends on the total number of claims submitted.

Claimants will need to provide proof of device ownership during the eligibility period to qualify for compensation. Detailed instructions on how to file will be provided once the settlement gains final approval.

Apple Denies Wrongdoing

Despite agreeing to the settlement, Apple denies any allegations of improper behavior. The company has consistently stated that Siri is designed to prioritize privacy and that any recordings were unintended. By settling, Apple avoids further litigation and the expenses tied to a prolonged case.

In response to earlier concerns, Apple has made adjustments to Siri’s functionality, including changes to prevent accidental activations and refine data handling practices. These updates aim to address user concerns about privacy.

How the Funds Will Be Distributed

The $95 million settlement fund will be allocated after deducting legal and administrative fees. Payments are estimated at up to $20 per device, depending on the volume of claims. A hearing scheduled for February 2025 will determine the final terms of the settlement.

Class members will have an opportunity to submit claims once the court approves the agreement. Only devices owned during the specified period will qualify, and users must meet all submission requirements to receive compensation.

Privacy Concerns Beyond Siri

Apple isn’t the only tech company facing scrutiny over voice assistant technology. Google and Amazon are currently defending similar claims involving their Google Assistant and Alexa devices. These cases reflect growing concerns among consumers about how voice-activated tools handle sensitive information.

In one ongoing case, plaintiffs allege that Alexa devices recorded conversations without user consent, raising alarms about potential misuse of private discussions. Both Google and Amazon maintain that their systems operate transparently and deny any wrongdoing.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Lopez et al v. Apple Inc
• Case Number: 19-04577
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Do you use Siri? What are your thoughts on this settlement? Share your opinion in the comments below.