Apple Settles Siri Privacy Lawsuit for $95 Million

We’ve all wondered if our devices, be they iPhones, Androids, iPads, are eavesdropping. Some Apple users decided to find out, leading to a $95 million settlement over allegations that Siri recorded private conversations and shared them with advertisers. 

The lawsuit, which covers a class period from September 17, 2014, to December 31, 2024, claims that Siri’s accidental activation led to private discussions being recorded and turned into targeted ads. Examples include ads for products, restaurants, and even medical treatments after users discussed them in supposedly private conversations. You know when you say “Siri” in passing and suddenly hear, “Sorry, I didn’t catch that”? Plaintiffs argue Siri caught more than it admitted.

Apple denies any wrongdoing, but settling suggests the company wanted this controversy off its plate. Eligible users could receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device, though tens of millions of devices might qualify. The deal still awaits approval from U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White.

For Apple, the payout is a rounding error (or less than nine hours of its annual profit). However, the case underscores growing privacy concerns around voice-activated technologies and their potential to record data unintentionally.

The lawsuit is a clear example of the ongoing privacy concerns surrounding voice-activated digital assistants and their potential for unintended recording and data sharing. With AI’s exponential progress, especially with how much data is likely being shared with the likes of OpenAI, Amazon (AWS), and others, user data remains the most valuable resource for old and future tech companies.