Apple is set to allocate $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit known as Lopez v. Apple, which accuses the tech company of unlawfully recording users’ private conversations after their Siri voice assistant was inadvertently activated. The lawsuit was initiated in March 2021, asserting that Apple recorded and potentially shared private communications without user consent.
The complaint centers around claims that when the Siri feature is unintentionally engaged—either by saying something akin to “Siri” or pressing the activation button—the recordings of private discussions were allegedly obtained by Apple and possibly disseminated to third parties, including advertisers. Users reported instances of receiving advertisements relevant to confidential conversations, raising serious privacy concerns. A critical element of the lawsuit cited a 2019 report in The Guardian which indicated that Apple’s third-party contractors regularly accessed confidential information.
Although Apple has denied the allegations outlined in the lawsuit, the company has agreed to proceed with a settlement. A pending court hearing on the settlement is anticipated, which is scheduled for August 1.
Eligible claimants include individuals who purchased or owned Siri-enabled devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and experienced unintended activations during private conversations. The devices covered under this settlement include a range of Apple products, such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks. Individual payments are capped at $20 per device, with an overall maximum of $100 for claims involving up to five devices.
Customers wishing to submit a claim can do so through the Lopez Voice Assistant Settlement website. Those who receive a claim identification code via email or postcard can use it for their claims, while others have until July 2, 2025, to file a claim online.
This settlement represents a significant response to privacy concerns surrounding digital assistants, reflecting an increasing priority for consumer rights in the tech industry. The outcome of this case emphasizes the importance of user consent and raises awareness about privacy in the age of smart technology.